New vehicle emissions rule clears major hurdle The Clean Cars Minnesota rule would apply to new cars sold in the state beginning with model year 2025. GOP lawmakers are still working to stop it or slow it down Author: John Croman Updated: 12:31 AM CDT May 8, 2021 ST PAUL, Minn. — Gov. Tim Walz won a victory Friday in his push bring tougher vehicle emissions standards to this state, beginning with the 2025 model year. An administrative law judge ruled the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's rulemaking process for the Clean Cars Minnesota standards complied with state law, and the new rules will reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution here.