What Truck and Minivan Drivers Need to Know About California Emissions Standards

California Law--Right for Minnesota?

In the USA, vehicle emissions standards are managed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

All states must comply with the EPA’s air quality standards. California had a special waiver from the EPA to enact emissions standards that were more strict than those required by the EPA.

Some other states have tried to get a waiver similar to California’s, but have been denied. In order for a state to adopt standards more strict than those required by the EPA, the only alternative is to adopt California’s emissions standards. It is important to note, that adopting California’s standards means ceding law-making authority to an unelected board of regulators in California. When California’s Air Resources Board makes rules, or changes the rules, the change also applies to the state that has adopted California’s standards.

CALEV is a California program designed by California regulators – none of whom are accountable to Minnesotans.