Connecticut Abandons 2035 EV Mandate Following Trump Administration Changes

Connecticut has withdrawn its planned electric vehicle mandate that would have required all new car sales to be EVs by 2035.

Political Shift Drives Policy Change

Governor Ned Lamont’s decision 据报道 came after Donald Trump’s selection of Lee Zeldin to head the Environmental Protection Agency. “We were following…the federal standards, and I think the federal standards are no more,” Lamont stated, marking a significant shift in the state’s environmental policy direction.

Republican Support and EV Skepticism

State Republicans celebrated the decision, calling it a “victory for Connecticut taxpayers.” Their statement acknowledged environmental concerns while highlighting “serious concerns” about the mandate’s “achievability, affordability, and budgetary impact.”

Zeldin’s Track Record on EVs

Zeldin, 44, has historically opposed EV mandates. During his 2022 纽约 gubernatorial campaign, he argued that such policies would “drive up prices” and restrict consumer choice in vehicle purchases. His appointment signals a potential broader shift in federal EV policy, as he’s stated his intention to “bring back American jobs to the auto industry.”

Contrasting State Approaches

While Connecticut steps back from its EV mandate, other states are moving forward. New York has committed to following 加利福尼亚州‘s lead in banning new gasoline-powered car sales by 2035, creating a patchwork of state-level EV policies across the 国家.

EVXL’s Take

This development represents a significant shift in state-level EV policy implementation. While some states are pulling back, others continue pushing forward with electrification plans. Looking at 特斯拉 and other EV manufacturers’ growing market presence, it’s clear that the transition to electric vehicles will continue regardless of state mandates, driven by consumer demand and technological advancement.

What’s your take on Connecticut’s decision? Share your thoughts in the comments below.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​