The Wadena County resolution opposes the state s rulemaking process on low-emission and zero-emission vehicles. 2:34 pm, Feb. 18, 2021 ×
Wadena County board members include commissioners Bill Stearns (left), Murlyn Kreklau, board chair Sheldon Monson, Mike Weyer and Jon Kangas.
Photo courtesy of the Verndale Sun
Wadena County Commissioners unanimously agreed to “make a stand” on low-emission and zero-emission vehicle rules originally set in California.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Gov. Tim Walz have been advancing the “Clean Car” rules since September 2019. The rules would require manufacturers to sell more low-emission and zero-emission vehicles as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Fourteen states have adopted the rules. The rules would begin in 2024.
It s the way those goals are accomplished that makes it hard to jump on board.
Gov. Tim Walz wants more Minnesotans to buy electric and hybrid vehicles, which would be good for Minnesota and help at least a little in addressing climate change. And we are late adopters, in the state and in the country.
But it s generally a good idea when you want a change in a marketplace to provide some incentives. Clean Cars Minnesota is a proposal by a regulator, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). And regulators only make and enforce rules.
Those rules, which follow California s on emissions, are aimed at car manufacturers, but it s Minnesota s car dealers who are doing the worrying.