MNIPL supporter and Woodbury resident, Wallace Wald explains why he supports Governor Walz’s administration’s clean car proposal.  

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is working on adopting Clean Car Standards, which would require vehicle manufacturers to sell more low and zero-emission vehicles in Minnesota. In March the MPCA will publish a Notice of Intent to Adopt Rule with a hearing for Clean Cars Minnesota. This will give Minnesotans a chance to provide feedback and comments. The new proposed rules would require vehicle manufacturers to deliver vehicles to the Minnesota market that produce lower emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) and other air pollutants. These standards are a strong step in the right direction and help move Minnesota towards a cleaner future.

Interest in electric vehicles (EV) is growing rapidly. A recent Consumer Report study shows 60% of consumers are interested and 30% would consider buying one in the next two years. Although interest is growing most auto dealers are not meeting the demand. Tesla has just one store in Minnesota and is already selling more EVs than all other manufacturers combined.

Transportation is now the biggest source of carbon pollution and EVs are the best opportunity we have to wean ourselves off fossil fuels and reduce pollution. Not only do cleaner cars mean cleaner air and water they are also cheaper to operate. On average it costs about half as much to drive an EV compared to a vehicle powered with an internal combustion engine.

Cleaner car choices will be good for consumers and the environment. Get ready – the future is coming soon to Minnesota!