Rothenberger said Connecticut has not met the national air-quality standards for ozone. He said there are myths being spread about the rules.

 Rothenberger said Connecticut has not met the national air-quality standards for ozone. He said there are myths being spread about the rules.

“These regulations do not act as a ban on gasoline vehicles,” he said. “What they do is they require increasing percentages of so-called zero-emission vehicles to be sold into the Connecticut marketplace, including hybrid electric vehicles, which are part of this regulation.”

“There should be no fear about whether this is achievable,” Rothenberger said. “Indeed, all you have to do is ask the manufacturers of these vehicles, all of whom have announced quite aggressive plans to achieve full electrification of their fleets.” 

As of July 1, EV registrations in Connecticut are up 20% since Jan. 1, and 42% since July 1, 2022, according to data from the state Department of Motor Vehicles. 

According to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the rule would require 90% cleaner emissions from internal combustion engines and that all vehicles sold in the state be electric by 2035. Also, DEEP said, the state is out of compliance with federal air quality standards.

Alan Shaw of Stamford said, “If EVs are so good, then the people will buy them on their own. If they’re bad, they have to be forced and coerced into buying them. And with the roots in California, should we really be looking at California’s mismanagement as something to aspire to?”