Maine vote on adopting California EV rules delayed by storm knocking out power
Rachel Schilke
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A key vote in Maine regarding regulations on gas-powered vehicles in favor of electric vehicles has been delayed after a storm caused widespread power outages.
The Board of Environmental Protection was poised to vote on regulations that would severely cut gas-powered vehicle sales on Thursday, but the storm canceled the vote, and the board does not plan on reconvening for the rest of 2023. The board is made up of citizens appointed by the governor and approved by the Democratic-led state Senate.
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The original proposal would require 82% of vehicle sales to be considered zero emissions by the 2032 model year, following similar standards set by California to boost EV sales and reach climate goals. Several other states have adopted the standards. With the delay, the proposed rules must be amended to go into effect for the 2028 model year vehicles instead of the 2027 model year. Public comment will be reopened until Feb. 5, 2024.
Maine House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, who opposes the proposed regulations, found the irony in the storm. He said widespread power outages would have made it hard to charge electric cars, which he said emphasizes the need for the board to reconsider the proposal.
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Faulkingham blasted California’s standards as well, saying that if Maine wants to look at the Golden State for policy models, “the next step is to outlaw chainsaws and generators.”
The Natural Resources Council of Maine, which supports the regulations, blamed the storm on climate change, which its members said “should serve as a stark reminder that protecting Maine people and Maine’s environment requires decisive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” according to the Associated Press.