Minnesota Auto Dealers File Lawsuit Over New ‘Clean Car Rules’

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St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - Minnesota auto dealers are suing the state over a move by the administration of Governor Tim Walz to adopt California Car Rules.

The lawsuit filed by the Minnesota Auto Dealers Association challenges an administrative law judge's decision to allow the Walz administration to move forward with implementing the regulations in Minnesota. The lawsuit argues a state law prohibits one government agency from writing rules for another agency. In this case, the Association contends it is the California Air Resources Board that is writing the rules for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

According to a news release from the Minnesota Auto Dealers Association, the lawsuit also claims Minnesota is not qualified to take up the California Car Rules. It states that under federal law "any state wishing to adopt California's Emission Rules and be governed by the California Air Resources Board must have had a designated geographic area that fails to meet federal air quality standards." The association argues Minnesota has not had such an area for more than 20 years.

The process of adopting the new clean car standards went into effect in Minnesota last summer, making it the 15th state to adopt the rules. Beginning with the 2025 model year, the new standards will require vehicle manufacturers to deliver more electric and highly fuel-efficient passenger vehicles to Minnesota in order to meet more stringent fuel efficiency standards.