Maryland has delayed enforcement of a rule that would have required dealers to start phasing out sales of new gas-powered cars in 2027.
In 2023, the state became one of 12 that adopted rules banning the sale of new gas-powered cars within their borders by 2035. The rules wouldn’t take gas-powered cars off the road, ban used sales, or prevent citizens from buying them in other states and registering them at home. However, they would require dealers to sell only electric vehicles (EVs) or plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
The plan required dealers to sell a decreasing percentage of new gas-powered cars every year from 2027 on, phasing them out entirely by 2035.
Maryland has not withdrawn from the plan altogether. Instead, Gov. Wes Moore (Dem.) issued an executive order directing regulators not to enforce penalties for continuing to sell new gas-powered cars in 2027 and 2028.
The order also created a working group to develop recommendations on how else to change EV rules.
E&E News, an energy industry publication, explains, “state officials came under pressure from dealers who said they couldn’t meet the strict timelines.” Moore’s order also cites a Trump administration move to pause funds for more EV chargers.