Delays in MA’s Diesel Truck Ban Already Underscore Need for Reassessment of Overly Aggressive Mandates

Following reports from Maryland that the state will delay enforcement of penalties tied to electric vehicle (EV) sales mandates, the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance issued the following statement, calling the move a welcome dose of realism in the face of market and infrastructure challenges. The organization urged Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey to take a similar approach by reconsidering her administration’s aggressive EV timelines—particularly in light of her recent decision to delay the state’s diesel truck ban.

“Maryland deserves credit for recognizing what too many ideologues in government refuse to admit—EV mandates are outpacing both the market demand and infrastructure. In so many cases, people and businesses are being mandated to buy vehicles that don’t make sense for their needs, powered by infrastructure that doesn’t exist. Maryland’s decision is a sign of policy rooted in reality. Governor Healey should follow suit before even more damage is done to the working families and small businesses of Massachusetts,” said Paul Diego Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance.

As part of its wholesale adoption of California’s vehicle emissions regulations, Massachusetts has committed to mandating that all vehicles sold in state are electric by the year 2035. That effort hit a wall several months ago when the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection was quietly forced to admit their policy—specifically regarding diesel trucks—needed to be delayed due to a lack of appropriate vehicles and infrastructure. Despite the delay, the administration has offered no clear plan for what comes next.

Now, with Maryland formally delaying penalties tied to its EV sales quotas for passenger vehicles, Governor Healey and her administration increasingly stand isolated in pursuing a policy agenda that ignores economic and technological realities.

“The Commonwealth is already seeing the consequences of rushed and ham-fisted environmental mandates—from unaffordable electricity to economic uncertainty and a growing competitiveness gap with other states—yet Beacon Hill keeps doubling down. Instead of clinging to unworkable timelines crafted by unelected bureaucrats in California, Governor Healey should emulate Maryland and craft a solution that works for the people of our state,” noted Craney.

“As more states start waking up to the practical limitations of these mandates, we hope Governor Healey finally starts listening to the people she was elected to serve,” Craney concluded.