In a major victory for consumer rights and automotive freedom, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has announced the state will not implement a controversial electric-vehicle (EV) mandate established by his predecessor. Delaware is one of 11 states that previously adopted California's Advanced Clean Cars (ACC) II rule, which would have forced nearly half of all new vehicles sold in Delaware to be electric or plug-in hybrid by 2027, rising to over 80% by 2032. 

Governor Meyer's decision marks a critical win for technology neutrality and market-driven innovation. Delawareans deserve the freedom to choose vehicles that meet their needs, not face government-imposed restrictions on internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The move ensures continued access to a full range of vehicle options, including gasoline, diesel, biofuel, hydrogen, hybrid and electric. 

This rollback also safeguards the specialty automotive aftermarket, which depends on a diverse vehicle landscape to design, build and sell performance and emissions-related products. Delaware now joins a growing coalition of states, including Maine, Maryland, Virginia and Connecticut, opposing top-down EV mandates in favor of policies prioritizing consumer choice and industry ingenuity. 

PRI and SEMA will continue urging the federal government to step in and protect vehicle choice nationwide by preventing restrictive EV mandates in all 50 states. We urge drivers, enthusiasts and industry leaders to contact their United States Senators to support policies that foster innovation and safeguard automotive freedom by revoking California's waiver for its EV mandate. 

For more information, contact Tierra Hubbard, SEMA's senior manager of state government affairs, at tierrah@sema.org. 

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