MMTA – June 16, 2023
The Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), and Sierra Club have petitioned the Maine Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) to adopt the California Advanced Clean Trucks Rule. This will require BEP to initiate the rulemaking process within 60-days of the petition. We understand the Public Hearing will be scheduled on August 17th.
Adopting the CA ACT would set mandatory sales thresholds of Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV’s) starting in 2027. Effectively, this adoption would put Maine on an accelerated path to electric medium and heavy-duty trucks regardless of operational realities.
If you recall, adoption of the CA ACT in Maine was tried before in 2021. A coalition of Maine business groups (including the MMTA) representing more than 15,000 businesses weighed in on the practical realities and negative implications of adopting ACT before reasonable questions were answered – mainly relative to grid upgrades, infrastructure investments, technology availability and adoption incentive options being considered.
We were able to convince postponement of the rule two years ago, knowing it would be a matter of time before it resurfaced. However, since 2021, we have participated in multiple stakeholder group meetings and we have had productive meetings with Maine leaders who have shown us that they have both heard and understand our concerns and we have no indication this has changed.
All of this is to say that this is the beginning of what might be a long and complicated process. But we will keep MMTA members posted every step of the way and we would encourage you to reach out to Brian or Tim with your input to make sure your voice is heard.