Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
Saint Paul, MN – Today, Governor Walz announced that Minnesota’s clean car standards have been filed in the state register, marking the end of the rulemaking process and making Minnesota the 15th clean car state in the nation, in addition to the District of Columbia, and the first in the Midwest.
The standards will require new cars sold in the state to emit less climate-disrupting pollution and increase the availability and sales of zero-emission cars. During two days of virtual testimony in February and throughout a public comment period that lasted through March, tens of thousands of people expressed their support for Clean Cars Minnesota for health, economic, environmental, and consumer reasons.
Cars and trucks on Minnesota roads are the largest source of climate-disrupting pollution in the state and a significant source of toxic air pollution. Current estimates suggest that Clean Cars Minnesota will eliminate 1 million tons of climate emissions annually by 2030 and help put the state on track to meet its emissions reduction goals. It would do this by expanding consumer choice, allowing residents to purchase clean vehicles that are right for them, including some of the newly announced electric trucks headed to the market.
“The success of this ruling was a direct result of tens of thousands of people showing up in support of Minnesota leading the way in the Midwest on this important policy that will help us act on climate and clean up our air,” said Margaret Levin, director of the Sierra Club’s North Star Chapter. “Governor Walz heard the call. It’s official. We’re a Clean Car state!”
“Minnesota becoming a clean car state is a triple win for the environment, public health, and job creation,” said Hieu Le, campaign representative with the Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All campaign. “Minnesota is a part of a wave of states moving forward with these standards -- including Virginia, New Mexico, and Nevada -- ensuring that its residents won’t miss out on access to pollution-free vehicles.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.8 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.