MPCA releases Clean Cars rule. Comments of support needed!

On Monday, December 21st, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) released the much-anticipated proposed Clean Cars Minnesota rule. This rule will tighten tailpipe emissions standards for passenger cars and trucks sold in Minnesota and make a greater variety of electric vehicles more widely available in the state. More on Clean Cars from MPCA.

People across Minnesota, especially rural Minnesotans, will benefit from Clean Cars.

• • We will breathe cleaner air
  • Reduce Minnesota’s top source of climate pollution
  • Have more vehicle choice
  • Save us money every day on fuel and maintenance costs
  • Help to grow Minnesota’s economy

Transportation is Minnesota’s top source of climate pollution and Minnesota is failing to hit statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction goals laid out in the bipartisan 2007 Next Generation Energy Act. Swift action is needed to get Minnesota back on track and meet our future emission goals.

Governor Walz first announced his administration’s intention to pursue a Minnesota Clean Cars standard in September 2019. For the past 16 months, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which is charged with adopting standards of emissions of air contaminants from motor vehicles in Minnesota, held public meetings across the state to share information about the proposed rule and get public feedback. An updated cost-benefit analysis was done after the federal government changed the SAFE rule and in light of the COVID-19 economic crisis. As part of the rulemaking process, MPCA is seeking comments on the proposed Clean Cars rule. The comment period runs until Monday, March 15, 2021.

Comment in support of Clean Cars!

CURE has streamlined the comment process for people. We encourage people to submit a comment on the Clean Cars rule through CURE’s Clean Cars comment portal. To make the process easier, we’ve drafted sample comments to help get you started. Everyone has their own reason why they want Clean Cars. Comments can also be submitted through the Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearing’s portal.

In spite of a rigorous rulemaking process, Minnesota Clean Cars is not guaranteed. MPCA needs your comments of support for Clean Cars. The rule needs to go before an Administrative Law Judge who will decide if the rule can be adopted. There is opposition to Clean Cars. Those that make money selling and repairing gas & diesel cars and trucks are fearful of a clean transportation future. Rural communities are only harmed by not preparing for changes to transportation and our economy. We can’t wait. Climate change isn’t waiting either. The more comments from Clean Cars supporters like you across the state, the better!

Other ways to support Clean Cars? Ask your friends, family, and neighbors to comment in support too! There is no age limit to comment, and we encourage the youngest Minnesotans to voice their support too. Questions about the draft Clean Cars rule or the comment process? Contact Anne at CURE or 320-269-2984.

Don’t delay—make your comment of support today. We need to work together for Minnesota Clean Cars!

More information about MPCA’s Clean Cars rulemaking process.