Court upholds Minnesota 'Clean Car Rule' tied to California

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Monday upheld the state's “Clean Car Rule,” which ties the state's vehicle emission standards to California regulations, as judges accepted assurances that won't automatically apply in Minnesota.

A three-judge panel rejected the arguments of Minnesota's auto dealers, and unconstitutionally delegated their rulemaking authority to California.

The appeals court concluded that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency acted within its statutory authority and that the state's rule is therefore valid. The decision was a victory for the administration of Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, amid who were upset that the Legislature was cut out of the decision. It takes effect in the 2025 model year and is meant to increase the supply and selection of electric vehicles.

The Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association expressed disappointment with the ruling and said it would consider whether to appeal. While production, the group contends that the rule could still saddle dealers with more electric vehicles than consumers want to buy.