NC Minnesota News

Pete Stauber, the representative for Minnesota’s 8th District, expressed concerns regarding California's electric vehicle (EV) mandate under President Joe Biden. He described it as a "direct attack on Northern Minnesota’s way of life," citing issues related to cost, climate, and dependence on China.

"California was on track to impose its radical EV mandate on the rest of America," said Stauber. "This was a direct attack on our way of life in Northern Minnesota. Most people not only can't afford an EV, but these vehicles are also not compatible with our harsh winters. This mandate would have increased our reliance on Communist China for the critical minerals necessary for these EVs."

According to AP News, in January 2023, the Minnesota Court of Appeals upheld the state's "Clean Car Rule." This regulation aligns Minnesota's vehicle emission standards with those of California and aims to increase the availability of electric and hybrid vehicles in the state starting with the 2025 model year. The court determined that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency acted within its statutory authority when adopting these standards.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency reported that this standard requires auto manufacturers to deliver new light- and medium-duty vehicles to Minnesota that produce lower emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants. The Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standard is designed to preserve consumer access to cleaner, more efficient vehicles by mandating an increase in the number of zero tailpipe emission vehicles, such as EVs and plug-in hybrids, available for sale in Minnesota.

According to CBS News, while Minnesota has adopted California's LEV and Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) standards, state officials clarified that California's plan to phase out new gasoline-powered vehicle sales by 2035 does not automatically apply in Minnesota. Any decision to adopt such a ban would require a separate rulemaking process within the state. Currently, there are no immediate plans for implementing a similar ban in Minnesota. The MPCA emphasized that adopting California's 2035 ban would necessitate a new rulemaking process specific to Minnesota's context, ensuring public input and thorough consideration.

Stauber has represented Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District since 2019. A former Duluth police officer and St. Louis County commissioner, he serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Stauber is known for his advocacy for law enforcement and stricter immigration policies.