Maine shouldn’t follow California standards to set emission policies for our state. The aggressive electric vehicle mandates will ensure that all vehicle prices will be higher with a limited supply of traditional gas or diesel units allowed on dealership lots.

It’s concerning that a board of seven people (only four of whom need to vote yes) feels it’s appropriate to decide to impact the lives of struggling Maine people with a single public hearing and 150 signatures.

Being a rural, cold climate, our state deserves a broader public debate on our emission goals and what consumers are willing to adopt for policies. For that reason, we have an elected Legislature, and the Board of Environmental Protection board certainly isn’t listening to the overwhelming outrage over this proposed policy.

My wife and I drop our kids off to school, drive to work, and then pick them up for after-school sports and activities. Many Mainers live in rural areas, with little access to charging stations, and that would mean a logistical nightmare to get through the day.

While the policy might be okay for someone living in one of our cities, it neglects most Maine people who still need to earn a living and support their families.

Buying a new car is a major decision for most families. If our ability to find a vehicle that matches our needs is taken away, I, for one, will have to look outside the state for a solution.

Donnie Brassard, Mechanic Falls

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