Connecticut has become the second U.S. state, following Virginia, to withdraw from California's electric vehicle mandate program. This decision, driven by doubts about meeting stringent future emissions targets, reflects recent shifts in federal regulatory policies.
House Speaker Matt Ritter of Hartford highlighted the reasoning behind Connecticut's move, stating, “If we can't hit the 40 mph fastball, how're we going to hit the 80 mph fastball?” This sentiment underscores skepticism regarding the achievability of stricter emission goals amidst evolving federal standards.
Initially adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in 2021, the Advanced Clean Cars I regulation garnered support from multiple states, including Virginia and Washington. CARB's subsequent Advanced Clean Cars II, set to take effect in January 2025, aims to phase out sales of new combustion engine vehicles by 2035.
However, recent actions by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revise emission targets for new cars from 2027 to 2032 have influenced state decisions. Connecticut's withdrawal mirrors Virginia's stance, where Governor Glenn Youngkin criticized mandates imposed by “unelected leaders” at CARB, advocating for local control over vehicle regulations.
The diverging state responses underscore ongoing debates over environmental policy authority between states and the federal government. They also highlight the complexities of balancing environmental objectives with economic and practical considerations across different regulatory jurisdictions.
