Minnesota officials are moving forward with “clean cars” standards, a plan intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase electric vehicle options for consumers, while also getting the state back on track toward meeting its climate change goals.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on Friday announced that it plans to formally publish a draft rule on Monday that it had first proposed 15 months ago. If a state administrative law judge approves the plan early next year, the new standards would go into effect in early 2024, and would apply to model year 2025 vehicles.
Calling climate change an “existential threat” to Minnesota and a top priority of Gov. Tim Walz’s administration, MPCA Commissioner Laura Bishop said “the size and scope of the climate crisis requires bold action from state government.”
Walz administration pushing forward with proposed clean car rule
If the judge signs off following a February hearing, the rules would likely impact vehicles sold in the state beginning in January of 2024. 1:24 pm, Dec. 18, 2020 ×
An electric car charging station. Forum News Service file photo
ST. PAUL The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on Friday, Dec. 18, said it planned to push forward an effort to require car manufacturers to sell low-and zero-emission vehicles in Minnesota.
MPCA Commissioner Laura Bishop said the agency in early 2021 would hold a series of information sessions about the proposed state rule changes and would seek approval from an administrative law judge to put in place the new guidelines.