A row of gray, electric sedans being charged. Photo: Shutterstock.
August 16, 2023 (PORTLAND, ME) – A new study by ERM done for Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) estimates that the Advanced Clean Cars II Program currently being considered by Maine officials would deliver nearly $17 billion in benefits for Maine’s families and businesses, including cleaner air, improved public health, and lower utility bills. Right now, the proposed rule only goes as far as 2032. But the study finds that if the state goes further and pushes for all new light-duty vehicles sold to be electric by 2035 – like every other state that has so far adopted the rule – it will result in an additional $4 billion.
“The math couldn’t be clearer: this new rule will save lives and mean billions in benefits for Mainers,” said CLF Senior Attorney Emily Green. “Adopting the rule this year is imperative. But our leaders need to move farther than the shortened rule they’re currently considering and go all electric by 2035. Our future health, air, and climate depend on us taking bold action today.”
The benefits from the Advanced Clean Cars II Program include the monetized value of public health and climate improvements, net cost savings for ZEV owners, and net utility customer savings from increased electricity demand for EV charging. If Maine adopts the regulations through 2035, the cumulative societal benefits increase by $4 billion to reach more than $21 billion.
The study’s fact sheet can be found here and full study results can be found here.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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