Massachusetts Temporarily Halts Electric Vehicle Sales Requirements
The Healey administration announced on Friday that it will not enforce minimum electric vehicle sales requirements for model years 2026 and 2027. This decision administratively implements a measure that lawmakers have been trying to pass legislatively.
The Advanced Clean Cars II regulation, adopted by Massachusetts in 2023 following California’s lead, mandates that vehicle manufacturers produce and sell an increasing percentage of zero-emission vehicles. The requirements start at 35% in model year 2026, rising to 43% in model year 2027, and eventually reaching 100% by model year 2035.
The Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) stated that it will “exercise enforcement discretion” for the next two model years. Gov. Maura Healey explained that this move will give carmakers more time to invest in their manufacturing and supply chains, potentially leading to more affordable electric vehicle options for consumers.
“EVs should be the most affordable and clean option for cars,” Healey said. “We’re giving carmakers more runway to invest in their manufacturing and supply chains, which will help ensure customers have additional affordable electric vehicles options at dealerships in the future.”
The decision to delay implementation of the ACC II regulations has been a topic of debate in the state legislature. Millbury Sen. Michael Moore had proposed a budget amendment to delay the implementation for two years, citing concerns about the economic impact of enforcing the rules when demand for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure is not meeting expectations.
“By enforcing this rule, manufacturers will have to artificially manipulate vehicle inventory to force more zero-emission vehicles into the state while reducing the number of gas-powered vehicles available,” Moore said. “Looking at last year, 280,000 new vehicles were sold in Massachusetts. To artificially meet the 35 percent threshold, there would have to be a reduction of 198,000 gas-powered vehicles, representing a $9 billion reduction in economic activity in Massachusetts.”
Environmental advocates have criticized the MassDEP’s decision. David Melly, Legislative Director of the Environmental League of Massachusetts, expressed disappointment, stating that the delay will harm communities and the environment.
“We know that timely progress on electrification of vehicles reduces both transportation emissions and healthcare costs,” Melly said. “Our state leaders must step up to fill the gap this policy leaves behind, including firm commitments to expanding charging infrastructure statewide and addressing vehicle pollution in overburdened areas.”
In response to the criticism, Healey’s office announced plans to soon dedicate additional grant funding for the purchase or lease of electric vehicles for publicly owned fleets and other vocational vehicles. They also previewed enhanced future grant funding opportunities for charging infrastructure through the MassEVIP program.
