Delaware hopes to phase out sale of new gas-powered cars. What to know about the proposal.

Delaware could soon begin phasing out the sale of new gasoline- and diesel-powered cars, trucks and SUVs if proposed environmental rules are approved in the next few months.

Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control is considering approving an ambitious plan proposed last year by Gov. John Carney to start phasing out gas power vehicles in 2026, shifting to hybrid or electric vehicles.

A public hearing is scheduled later this month to consider the new regulation. Public comment is being collected through May 26.

Delaware Environmental Secretary Shawn Garvin could make his final decision soon after.

What are the proposed rules?

Delaware hopes to adopt revisions to California's "Advanced Clean Cars" rules requiring automobile manufacturers to gradually deliver an increasing percentage of zero-emission vehicles to dealerships, starting with the 2027 model year and culminating in a total ban on sales of new gasoline-powered vehicles in 2035.

The onus would be only on car manufacturers to design, produce and deliver the vehicles that would meet emission standards set up by the regulations.

The rules would be enforced on vehicles that weigh up to 14,000 pounds, which includes most light and medium-duty passenger vehicles. It would exclude larger vehicles like semi-trucks, school buses and delivery trucks.

Similar rules have been adopted by 14 other states, including New Jersey and Maryland.

"Vehicle emissions are one of the largest sources of air pollution so we cannot make our air cleaner and our residents healthier without a substantial commitment to cleaner cars," Carney said in a statement.

Under Delaware law, the state's environmental agency has the power to adopt the rule after publishing the proposal, seeking public comment and holding a public hearing.

If approved, the rules would begin Jan. 2, 2026, for model year 2027 vehicles.

Why is Delaware pushing electric vehicles?

According to DNREC, vehicles are responsible for around 30% of the state's gross greenhouse gas emissions. About 60% of transportation emissions come from passenger cars and light-duty trucks, which the new rules would target.

According to the Department of Energy, there are 3,010 registered electric vehicles in Delaware as of June 2022, one of the lowest counts in the country. Projections aim for just over 300,000 zero-emission or electric vehicles by 2035.

California's vehicle emission standards have been required in Delaware since 2014. The new regulation would just add zero-emission vehicle requirements.

In March 2022, Carney announced that Delaware was adopting California's standards on new vehicles.

"By adopting the [zero-emission vehicle] regulations, Delaware drivers won't have to go out of state to find an electric vehicle to purchase and our dealerships will benefit by keeping Delaware customers in Delaware," Carney said at the time. "By creating a better environment for the sale and purchase of electric vehicles ... we will create a positive electric vehicle future in our state."

Republican opposition

State Republicans have proposed two bills that seek to lessen DNREC's ability to enforce the future mandates.

One bill would allow DNREC to adopt the proposed regulations only with the consent of the General Assembly, which is controlled by Democrats. The second bill would remove DNREC's authority to adopt any rules dealing with vehicle sales mandates. Both measures would be retroactive to March 1.

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Republican lawmakers say comments made at five town hall meetings held across the state last month suggest widespread opposition to the electric-vehicle mandate.

Critics say the mandate will limit consumer choice, force people to buy more expensive electric vehicles, and have little impact on the environment. They also argue that Delaware's electric grid infrastructure is not ready to support the all-electric mandate.

DNREC has announced recipients of grants that would install 14 new charging stations across the state (five in New Castle County, four in Kent County, five in Sussex County), but the efforts would still need to be ramped up in order to match the proposed demand.

Delaware's Climate Action Plan outlines the state's need to expand its charging network, which includes providing rebates to businesses and individuals to offset the cost of purchasing a charging station. Additional rebates for purchasing an electric vehicle are also in effect.

How to participate

DNREC is accepting public comments ahead of the final public hearing on April 26. All public comments will be entered into the public record and can be submitted through May 26.

Comments can be submitted via email to DNRECHearingComments@delaware.gov or online at the following link, or mailed to Theresa Newman, Hearing Officer, c/o DNREC Office of the Secretary, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901.

The April 26 virtual public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. If anyone wishes to speak at the public hearing, they must preregister by noon on the day of the event using this link or by calling 302-739-9295.

Several hundred public comments have already been submitted and can be viewed online.

"I feel we are pushing this agenda before we have the infrastructure in place to meet thedemand," wrote Mary Ann Cronin. "I think of my mother who is on a fixed income and will not be able to afford the cost of a new car nor the cost of adding the electric outlet plug to her home."

Meanwhile, others have hailed the legislation as a route to Delaware reaching its climate goals.

"[Zero emission vehicles] are a proven technology and will help ensure Delaware is on track to meet its global climate goals and better protect public health locally," wrote Lewes resident Andrew Ashburn.

Rebates and a nationwide push for electric cars

This debate is part of a much larger push toward incorporating electric vehicles into the mainstream transportation supply.

President Joe Biden is expected to soon tighten regulations on transportation emissions, possibly requiring that electric cars make up as much as 67% of new passenger vehicles sold and produced in the country by 2032.

Companies like General Motors have also stated that they would be producing only electric cars by 2035.

Federal tax rebates up to $7,500 are in place for customers purchasing new electric vehicles. Delaware already offers cash rebates of up to $2,500 on electric vehicles purchased before the end of April, with additional rebates available for hybrids or natural gas vehicles.

A New Clean Vehicle Rebate Program will be in place in Delaware starting on May 1. The rebate must be applied for within 90 days of the purchase date. It can be applied for at this link.

Contact Molly McVety at mmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @mollymcvety.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Electric cars in Delaware: Plan could be approved soon for move to EVs