Maine board rejects mandate to boost electric vehicle sales by 2032

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • March 20, 2024

The state Board of Environmental Protection rejected a mandate to dramatically step up sales of electric and hybrid vehicles in Maine, dealing a blow to environmentalists who urged steps to curb tailpipe emissions, but pleasing car dealers and Republicans who saw the move as government overreach that would make private transportation unaffordable for many Mainers. The citizen board’s 4-2 vote Wednesday coincided with a Biden administration rule released hours earlier for the strongest-ever limits on tailpipe pollution, a move also meant to boost electric vehicle sales.