Monday, Governor Tim Walz celebrated new clean car standards taking effect in Minnesota. These standards, finalized by a notice in the state register, reduce carbon emissions, create “good-paying jobs”, boost Minnesota’s manufacturing industry, and increase the choices Minnesotans have in purchasing cars according to the governor.
In marking Monday’s milestone, the governor and lieutenant governor visited Phillips and Temro Industries in Eden Prairie, which manufactures clean car automotive parts, including EV chargers and EV battery heaters.
“Today, as Minnesota becomes a clean cars state, we’re creating jobs across every corner of the state, we’re giving Minnesotans more choices at their local car dealer, we’re saving Minnesotans money, and we’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting our environment for future generations,” said Walz. “These clean cars standards are a win across the board. With cleaner air, more car options, economic growth, and less money spent on foreign oil, every Minnesotan will benefit.”
There has been opposition to having clean car standards in the state, with some skeptics saying that electric vehicles won't run in cold weather.
Phillips and Temro CEO Tom Moser told WCCO’s Susie Jones that they have worked with automotive manufacturers for 100 years and as cars have changed, so have they, creating solutions like battery warmers for electric vehicles.
“Clearly, we are seeing electric vehicles grow at a very accelerated rate,” Moser says. “Right now, we're starting to hit the inflection point. We're starting to see a lot more people buy vehicles, are starting to see a lot more vehicle choices in the marketplace, and there's clear environmental benefits. But there's benefits of reduced operating costs, reduce maintenance costs and a really great driving experience. Talking to anyone that owns and EV, they'll tell the never buy another car with an engine.”
Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported (link requires subscription) that sales of electric vehicles are increasing faster than the automotive industry as a whole. Consumer Reports has also praised the Clean Cars Standard, reporting that 70% of Minnesotans have an interest in purchasing electric cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Minnesota is the 15th state to adopt clean car standards sofar. The policy will implement two clean cars standards to reduce vehicle emissions.
The low-emission vehicle (LEV) standard requires vehicle manufacturers to deliver passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs that produce lower greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants for sale in Minnesota. The zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) standard requires automobile manufacturers to deliver more vehicles with ultra-low or zero tailpipe emissions for sale in Minnesota, including electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid models.
Experts told WCCO the Clean Cars Minnesota Act will eliminate one million tons of climate emissions by the year 2030 and help put the state on track to meet its emission reduction goals.
“Our carbon emissions are not on track to meet the goals of the bipartisan 2007 Next Generation Energy Act,” says Dr. Raj Rajan chair of the board for the nonprofit Fresh Energy. “Our transportation sector is now the largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Minnesotans are already facing the effects of climate change. We're seeing warmer temperatures and the farmers are bearing the brunt of larger and more frequent extreme precipitation events alternating with drought.”
These new standards are being touted as ways the state will increase consumer choice when it comes to buying cars. Despite the fact that many Minnesotans want to drive electric vehicles, manufacturers have historically offered fewer than half of their models here, and instead offered them in states that have adopted clean car standards. Implementing clean car standards in Minnesota will unleash this market in Minnesota, give Minnesotans greater access to vehicles with better fuel economy, and increase the availability of used electric vehicles.
The governor said this means Minnesotans get to choose the vehicle that is right for them and their families, and that setting higher standards does not force anyone to give up their current vehicle or choose a vehicle that does not work for their lifestyle.
America’s clean car standards have saved drivers in other states over $88 billion and counting according to information shared by the state. Electric vehicles are cheaper to operate and maintain than gasoline vehicles. Increasing access to these vehicles will save Minnesotans thousands of dollars over the lifetime of their car and reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil.
The governor also said this is a good move for the economy, as the standards will also help build out Minnesota’s electric vehicle infrastructure, create good-paying jobs and boost the economy across the state, particularly Minnesota’s rural electric cooperatives. Already, more than 61,000 Minnesotans work in clean energy, with one in three clean energy jobs located in Greater Minnesota.
The transportation sector is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota. The standards are said to improve public health by reducing emissions and protecting Minnesotans from air pollution in every corner of the state.
Not everyone is on board however. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R- East Gull Lake) released the following statement following Governor Walz's press conference, saying this is a "celebration of forcing California Car Standards on Minnesotans".
"I’m not surprised Governor Walz continues to issue mandates after the last 18 months. His emergency powers may be over but his ego trip is not, and it looks like ‘One Minnesota’ is just ‘Walz’s Minnesota.’
"Imposing California Car Standards on drivers as we recover from the pandemic is not the right move for Minnesotans. Cleaner cars and electric vehicles are coming because innovation keeps us moving forward. Forcing electric vehicles onto car lots before consumers are demanding them will mean everyone pays more for their car: gas, electric, or hybrid."