Healey Administration Delays Electric Vehicle Sales Requirements
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced on Friday that her administration will not enforce minimum electric vehicle (EV) sales requirements for model years 2026 and 2027, a move that aligns with lawmakers’ calls for legislative intervention. Under the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation, adopted in 2023, vehicle manufacturers were expected to sell a rising percentage of zero-emission vehicles, with targets set at 35% in 2026 and 43% in 2027.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) stated it would exercise "enforcement discretion," allowing car manufacturers to continue supplying internal combustion vehicles to dealerships during this period. Healey emphasized the need for carmakers to have flexibility, stating it would encourage investment in manufacturing and infrastructure, ultimately providing more affordable EV options for consumers.
This decision has sparked debate among lawmakers. Senator Michael Moore recently withdrew a budget amendment aimed at delaying the ACC II regulation for two years but warned that enforcing the requirement could severely impact the local economy. He argued that meeting the EV thresholds would necessitate a significant reduction in gas-powered vehicle availability, potentially resulting in an estimated $9 billion economic downturn.
Environmental advocates criticized the Healey administration’s decision. David Melly of the Environmental League of Massachusetts expressed disappointment, asserting that the delay undermines efforts to reduce transportation emissions and improve public health.
In a forthcoming announcement, Healey’s office indicated plans for additional grant funding to support the acquisition of electric vehicles for public fleets and enhance charging infrastructure at various sites across the state. The commitment aims to bolster the transition to electric mobility in Massachusetts while navigating current challenges in market demand and infrastructure readiness.
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