Under the Clean Air Act, states must abide by the federal government’s vehicle emissions standards unless they at least partially opt to follow California’s stricter requirements. Washington, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon and Vermont are expected to adopt California’s ban on new gasoline-fueled vehicles. Other states are still struggling to define how the new laws will impact car manufaturing and sales.
For example, Minnesota’s Clean Cars rule increases the availability of electric vehicles and helps the state meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals. The rule seeks to increase the offerings of battery-powered and hybrid vehicles starting with the 2025 model year by requiring manufacturers to comply with California standards currently in force for low- and zero-emission vehicles.