Source: Maryland Matters
Excerpt:
In short, the EV landscape in 2026 will not be the one of today.
Recent national polling by the Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA) showed that majorities of voters — both Republicans and Democrats — understand that increasing EV adoption will have a positive impact not only on the environment, but also on health, jobs, the economy, and vehicle safety.
Similar polling found 55% of respondents supported requiring all new cars sold to be electric by 2030, five years before the ACC II regulates. A brand-new study of the American Lung Associationstates that zero emission passenger vehicles dramatically improve air quality and health outcomes.
Air pollution continues to take a high toll especially in underserved and overburdened communities. Eighty-eight percent of asthma-related hospitalizations for children and 87% of emergency room visits in Baltimore City were for Black children — roughly five times the rate for white children. On high smog days, frequent in the summer, pollution from cars and trucks alone can bring ozone smog and nitrogen oxide above the levels allowed by the Clean Air Act.
The federal government has allocated $1.5 billion to help states get ready. Maryland is set to receive at least $63 million for the electric infrastructure needed for more EVs.
Read more: Commentary: Americans optimistic about transition to electric vehicles — and they should be
