The SEMA-supported legislation to ensure consumers' choice of vehicle powerplants awaits final approval or veto from Governor Jeff Landry.
The bill is scheduled for a Senate Committee on Transportation hearing on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
The SEMA-supported legislation allows state legislature, not environmental groups, to provide the final approval of clean-car regulations in Maine.
SEMA encourages industry businesses that produce, import or sell lead wheel weights to provide comment to the EPA by the deadline on May 3.
The bill now awaits final approval or veto by Governor Laura Kelly.
Limitations on independent repair shops will mean fewer choices, higher costs and longer wait times for consumers.
The Maine Board of Environmental Protection has voted against the proposal to align the state with California's latest clean car rules.
SEMA and industry members sent the EPA more than 5,000 letters detailing the impact ICE bans would have on small businesses.
The move to withdraw the regulation came after bipartisan opposition from state lawmakers.
The EPA will now require a 25% reduction in the allowable fine particulate matter but will retain the previous regulations for all other 'soot rule' standards.