Maryland adopts rule to advance electric vehicles in the state

Maryland adopted the multi-state Advanced Clean Cars II rule this week, which requires manufacturers to continuously increase the share of electric vehicles they sell.

Ultimately, the goal is to have 100 percent of passenger car and light truck sales by model year 2035.

“Today, we’re talking about a major transformation that is going to define this administration—and that’s how we turn Maryland from a state powered by oil and gas to a state powered by clean energy,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said. “I am confident that the state of Maryland can and will lead the clean energy revolution.”

The Advanced Clean Cars II rule is a vehicle emissions standard that was first adopted by California. In Maryland, the Advanced Clean Cars II rule, coupled with strong federal and state incentives, will be one of the state’s most important emissions reduction measures.

An analysis by the Maryland Department of the Environment found that this will result in 383,000 fewer new gas-powered vehicles sold by 2030 and 1.68 million fewer conventional vehicles sold by 2035. By 2040, the reductions in emissions may potentially provide net in-state health benefits equal to about $39.9 million per year due to decreases in respiratory and cardiovascular illness.

“The Advanced Clean Cars II regulation is a big step toward cleaner air and a more aggressive response to the threats posed by climate change,” Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain said. “This rule will help position us to meet the goals of our Climate Solutions Now Act and 2030 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act Plan while bringing economic benefits to Marylanders.”

Electric vehicles cost roughly one-fourth as much to drive as gasoline cars in Maryland, according to Baltimore Gas and Electric. They also generally have lower maintenance costs.

“As a business at the forefront of mobility solutions, we know that technology and market demand are both ready to support the transition to clean vehicles,” Ryan Dalton, Siemens head of external affairs and policy, Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, said. “Strong state standards that reflect the escalating consumer demand and set clear expectations for market growth over the coming years are key to managing the transition. We support the adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II rule in Maryland because it is the best way to attract investment and provide predictability for manufacturers, companies, workforces, and consumers alike.”

Maryland’s Air Quality Control Advisory Council recommended that the department move forward in proposing a regulation to enact the new standards. Thus, the MDE will now move forward with a proposed regulation, which includes a public hearing. If approved, the regulation would take effect in September.