ANNAPOLIS, MD—On Tuesday, members of the newly-formed Maryland Freedom Caucus called on Governor Wes Moore to immediately rescind the state’s participation in the California Advanced Clean Cars (CACC) 11 Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) program, citing serious concerns over the program’s unrealistic goals, insufficient infrastructure, and potential economic harm to Maryland families and businesses.

The CACC 11 mandate requires that 43% of vehicles for model year 2027 sold in Maryland be electric vehicles (EVs), a target that lawmakers and industry experts deem unworkable given the state’s current EV adoption rates and inadequate charging infrastructure.

Freedom Caucus member Delegate Brian Chisholm emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Governor Moore should address this crisis before it’s a catastrophe. This mandate puts ideology over practicality, jeopardizing Maryland families, businesses, and auto dealers while ignoring the reality of our infrastructure and market readiness.”

The Freedom Caucus highlighted several key issues in their argument for abandoning the mandate:

1. Unrealistic EV Adoption Goals: Marylanders currently own fewer than 10% EVs, and adoption rates are not increasing at the pace needed to meet the 43% quota. Forcing dealerships to stock vehicles that consumers are unwilling or unable to purchase will drive buyers to shop out of state, harming local businesses.

2. Inadequate Charging Infrastructure: Despite federal investment in a national EV charging program, Maryland has seen minimal progress. Only seven new stations have become operational in three years, far from what is needed to support a widespread shift to EVs.

   
   
   

3. Economic Burdens on Maryland Families: EVs remain prohibitively expensive for many families, even with federal rebates, which are unlikely to continue. The CACC 11 mandate disproportionately affects middle- and working-class residents, who are already struggling with the high cost of living. Delegate Mark Fisher of the Maryland Freedom Caucus, pointed to a glaring double standard, “Of the 188 members of the Maryland legislature, less than 10% drive EVs themselves. Governor Wes Moore and his family do not use EVs. If lawmakers cannot even get close to the 43% quota, how can we expect Maryland citizens to achieve it?”

In a press release, the Freedom Caucus also stressed the need for government accountability and common-sense solutions. “Delays and half-measures won’t cut it,” reiterated Delegate Ryan Nawrocki, Whip. “It’s time for decisive action to rescind Maryland’s participation in this program entirely.”

The Maryland Freedom Caucus believes Governor Moore should act quickly. Just as he signed the mandate in March 2023, he can reverse course with the stroke of a pen. By doing so, he would safeguard Maryland families from unaffordable mandates, protect local businesses, and restore consumer choice. A failure to stop the implementation of the CACC 11 will not only harm citizens and small businesses; it will reduce the amount of money coming into state coffers, adding even more to the historic budget deficit Maryland is facing.

“The Freedom Caucus remains committed to holding leadership accountable and championing policies that prioritize the interests of Marylanders over ideological mandates,” reads the press release.

The letter sent to Governor Moore can be viewed below.

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