The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is encouraging public comments for the record ahead of the April 26 public hearing on the state’s potential adoption of a 2035 electric vehicle mandate.
The proposed regulations include requirements for automobile manufacturers to deliver an increasing percentage of zero-emission vehicles to dealerships in Delaware. In 2035, the mandate calls for 20% of vehicles to plug-in hybrids with small engines, with the remainder being all-electrics.
The proposed amendments are available for viewing in the Delaware Register of Regulations.
All public comments made directly to DNREC – whether received verbally at the public hearing or in writing before or after the hearing – will be entered into the public record and considered equally by the DNREC Secretary in making decisions on the proposed regulation, a release stated.
Only comments made to DNREC and entered into the public record will be considered by the Department as part of the rulemaking decision process.
The changeover has led to a campaign by the state Republican Party to halt the 2035 plan. Opponents cite concerns that include the loss of freedom of choice to the current costs of electric vehicles, current shortage of charging stations, the state currently meeting current emissions standards, and long-running skepticism over evidence of climate change caused by gas and diesel vehicles. Republicans say the Legislature should approve the restrictions.
Those in favor of the 2035 mandate point to vehicle manufacturers moving toward making and selling all-electric and plug-in hybrids by 2035, regardless of what Delaware decides. Advocates also claim that more electric and hybrid vehicles will appear on dealer lots if the California rules are adopted and point to reports showing the world to be at a tipping point regarding climate change.
Kia and Hyundai do not sell their popular electric and hybrid cars and crossovers in Delaware at present. Motorists can buy electrics and plug-in hybrid vehicles from out-of-state dealers. However, the supply ranges from tight to non-existent.
About 15 states have adopted or are considering the California standards. That group includes Maryland and New Jersey.
DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin says no decision has been made on the regulations, contrary to some claims that the mandates are a “done deal.”
Comments about the state’s potential adoption of the ACC II regulations will be accepted through May 26 in written form via email to DNRECHearingComments@delaware.gov, or by using the online form at https://de.gov/dnreccomments, or by U.S. mail to Theresa Newman, Hearing Officer, c/o DNREC Office of the Secretary, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901.
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