Senate Republicans back Governor Meyer’s rejection of EV mandate

Delaware Senate Republican leaders are applauding Governor Matt Meyer’s recent stance against the state’s controversial electric vehicle (EV) mandate, signaling renewed efforts to block the regulation first introduced under former Governor John Carney.

Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown, has circulated an updated version of Senate Bill 96, which aims to halt the adoption of the regulation modeled after California’s Advanced Clean Cars II standards.

The rule, spearheaded by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), would require 43% of new vehicles sold in the state to be zero-emission or plug-in hybrids by model year 2027.

That number would climb to 82% by 2032.

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“This was never about clean air, it was about control,” said Senate Republican Leader Gerald Hocker, R-Ocean View. “Delawareans have made it overwhelmingly clear they do not want an unelected state agency unilaterally dictating what kind of new cars they can or cannot buy.”

Republican lawmakers have consistently opposed the mandate, citing a 2023 public comment period in which more than 93% of nearly 5,000 responses expressed disapproval.

A separate poll conducted the same year found that 73% of Delaware voters opposed adopting California’s vehicle emissions rules, including many who otherwise support environmental initiatives.

Senator Pettyjohn emphasized the need for consumer choice over government mandates.

“People deserve choices, not mandates,” Pettyjohn said. “EVs may work well for some, but practically forcing them on everyone, especially without the infrastructure in place, is reckless. I thank Governor Meyer for recognizing that and listening to the people of Delaware instead of blindly following California’s lead.”

The revised bill is now being circulated among legislators for co-sponsorship.

Senate Republicans reiterated their support for clean energy policies that they say should be market-driven, affordable, and respectful of individual preferences.