Rhode Island Begins Clean Car Process

Opens comment period in push for all electric cars and trucks by 2035

Electric vehicles are a critical part of our climate solutions.

August 8, 2023 (PROVIDENCE, RI) – Rhode Island officials have begun the process of creating new rules designed to spur purchases of electric cars and trucks in the coming years. The state has opened the comment period for residents to submit their thoughts on the process. Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released the following statement in response.

“Harmful emissions from gas-powered cars and trucks are driving the climate crisis and polluting the air in our communities,” said CLF attorney James Crowley. “Rhode Island has an opportunity to tackle the climate crisis while cleaning up the air in our neighborhoods. It’s time to ditch fossil fuels once and for all, and these new rules will help us get there.”

Adopting the standards, known as the Advanced Clean Cars II and Advanced Clean Trucks rules, will help meet the growing demand for electric vehicles and ensure residents have access to a greater number of models, helping to lower sticker prices and begin the transition away from costly and polluting gas-powered cars and trucks.

Several other states including Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York have already adopted the stronger clean car and truck standards, and Maine is considering similar rules right now.

CLF experts are available for further comment

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