With New Electric Vehicle Policy Proposal, Minnesota Moves to a Cleaner Transportation Future

Statement by Michelle Robinson, Union of Concerned Scientists

Published Dec 21, 2020

WASHINGTON (December 21, 2020)—Minnesota’s Pollution Control Agency published final text for the Clean Cars Minnesota rulemaking on low emitting and electric vehicles today. It’s a smart move that will reduce global warming emissions and benefit drivers across the state, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).

Below is a statement by Michelle Robinson, director of the Clean Transportation Program at UCS.

“The future of transportation is clean. Driving cleaner cars and trucks, including electric-powered vehicles, has real benefits for both consumers and the environment. We need strong policies in place to make sure everyone can access these benefits. With today’s announcement, Minnesota’s leaders show that they understand the need for policies that can help accelerate these innovative technologies.

“A stronger clean vehicle market will drive down costs for consumers who want to make the switch, and reduce pollution from vehicles in communities across the state. We applaud Minnesota for working to build a cleaner transportation future.”

UCS analysis shows that, in Minnesota, electric vehicles cut global warming emissions from driving by nearly half compared to comparable gasoline vehicles, and that Minnesota drivers save dramatically on fuel costs by switching to electric—especially rural drivers, who can save an average of $750 on fuel every year.