FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2025
Contact: lesley.paredes-hernandez@sierraclub.org, (240) 424-0976
Annapolis, MD – Today, Governor Wes Moore issued an executive order that delays enforcement of Maryland’s clean vehicle programs, the Advanced Clean Cars II and Advanced Clean Trucks rules, under certain conditions.
Over 40% of Maryland's total nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions that contribute to ozone (smog) pollution are attributable to pollution from vehicles on Maryland’s roads. Residential neighborhoods located near major roads and highways face disproportionate burdens from transportation pollution. These neighborhoods are often communities of color due to decades of residential segregation, and bear the burden of higher rates of cancer, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases and premature death. Delay of these programs will make it very challenging for the state to cut ozone pollution enough to meet federal air quality standards.
The Advanced Clean Cars II program is the single largest long term strategy to fight climate change, according to the Maryland Department of Environment. Vehicle manufacturers have to date met the requirements of the clean car program often ahead of schedule. Additionally, manufacturers already have a three year grace period to meet the program requirements before any enforcement would apply.
In response to the Executive Order, Maryland Sierra Club Chapter Director Josh Tulkin has released the following statement:
“The Sierra Club is disappointed by Governor Moore’s executive order. The executive order directs the Maryland Department of the Environment to delay enforcement of the Advanced Clean Cars II and Clean Trucks programs under certain conditions. This premature action risks removing all the teeth from the programs and rewarding the laggards in the industry. We support a range of compliance flexibilities, but believe this EO risks undermining the program. Delaying our clean vehicle programs would stall progress on cutting harmful air pollution. We call on Governor Moore to continue implementing these life-saving programs without delay.”
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Founded in 1892, the Sierra Club is America’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization. The Maryland Chapter has over 70,000 members and supporters, and the Sierra Club nationwide has approximately 800,000 members.