Could Delaware Governor Meyer nix the statewide EV mandate?

DELAWARE – Delaware Governor Matt Meyer could nix the state’s electric vehicle plans.

It’s a move that is drawing support from some Republicans.

Gov. Meyer has indicated that he wants to roll back the statewide electric vehicle mandate.

The mandate was initiated by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. This was done under former Governor John Carney.

The plan adopts a modified version of California’s Advanced Clean Car II regulations.

Under the current regulation, 43% of new vehicles sold in Delaware by model year 2027 must be zero-emission vehicles, or they must be plug-in hybrid. That number must reach 82% by 2032.

Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn praised the Governor’s potential move.

“When we saw the news report about him having concerns still with the EV mandate and also his willingness to possibly take some action from the executive level, we were very happy to hear that,” said Sen. Pettyjohn.

In the previous General Assembly session, Sen. Pettyjohn sent out a similar bill for circulation.

It would have reverted Delaware to the Advanced Clean Car I regulation, which is the rule the state was under before.

“The cars that are manufactured in the United States are all manufactured to the Advanced Clean Car I standard currently, so that would eliminate the manufacturer EV mandate that is currently in regulation right now,” said Sen. Pettyjohn.

Governor Meyer’s office sent WMDT a statement Monday that said, “I love electric vehicles, and I also love freedom. In America, car sellers should have the freedom to sell what they want, and Americans and Delawareans should have the freedom to buy what they want. As Delawareans increasingly demand electric vehicles, I want to focus on making sure our state is prepared to accommodate that choice.”

Republican lawmakers have opposed the mandate since it was proposed nearly three years ago.