DELAWARE - Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer has signaled he wants to roll back a statewide electric vehicle mandate introduced under former Gov. John Carney, a move that has sparked both praise and concern from lawmakers and environmental advocates.
The regulation would require 43% of all new vehicle deliveries into the state to be electric or hybrid by 2027, ramping up to 82% by 2032. No formal action has been taken to repeal the rule, but Meyer's administration indicated the decision could be influenced by recent shifts in federal policy.
“Delaware and DNREC are waiting to see what happens at the federal level to determine if any action needs to be taken by the state to make changes consistent with the Governor's interest in widening consumer options at new car dealerships,” a spokesperson for the governor’s office said in a statement.
Republican lawmakers, who have long opposed the mandate, welcomed the potential rollback.
“I think whatever side of the aisle you’re on, we had bipartisan opposition on this from the public,” said State Sen. Brian Pettyjohn (R-Georgetown). “I think the public is going to be very happy that in some way or another, we think those regulations are going to be rolled back.”
Pettyjohn argued the mandate was out of step with consumer demand and Delaware’s charging infrastructure.
“I think naturally, as business and science develop these things, the consumers will move there, but only when it suits them,” he said. “We don’t want to force consumers into a spot where their mode of transportation doesn’t really fit their needs.”
Environmental groups, however, are worried that reversing the policy could hinder progress in reducing carbon emissions and weaken regional cooperation.
“Pulling out of the clean cars program will actually harm consumer choice, and destroy a much-needed multi-state coalition in an effort to dramatically reduce emissions,” said Dustyn Thompson, Chapter Director of the Delaware Sierra Club. “This provides more options for Delaware families when they go to purchase their vehicles.”
Thompson urged the state to remain aligned with other states that are advancing climate goals despite recent pullbacks at the federal level.
“We have to work together with other states, because the federal administration is not going to help us — from FEMA to climate,” they said. “Pulling out of this would do the exact opposite.”
It remains unclear on how the state would formally alter or repeal the EV mandate.