The "Consumer Choice of Fuel Act" seeks to enhance consumer freedom in selecting fuel sources for motorized equipment by prohibiting state agencies from implementing rules that limit consumer choices based on fuel type or impose specific inventory requirements on retailers. The bill broadly defines "motorized equipment" to include various vehicles and tools, and it modifies the rulemaking authority to require legislative approval for any proposed rules referencing statutes or rules from other states. Additionally, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.07, subdivision 2, by removing references to air quality standards related to motor vehicle contaminants, effectively eliminating the Clean Car rules and repealing several Minnesota Rules that governed low-emission and zero-emission vehicles.

Moreover, the bill introduces new reporting requirements for motor vehicle manufacturers regarding compliance with zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) standards, mandating annual reports and detailed documentation if requested by the commissioner. Manufacturers must retain relevant records for five years and report any noncompliance within 60 days. The legislation also outlines requirements for meeting ZEV credit obligations, including establishing accounts in the California ZEV credit system and submitting reports on credit generation and transactions. Manufacturers that do not meet their ZEV obligations must compensate for deficits with ZEV credits, while provisions for early-action ZEV credits and a one-time credit allotment for the first effective model year are included to incentivize compliance with California regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 116.07