PORTLAND — An environmental group says that with the right government policies in place, plug-in vehicles could reduce oil dependence in Maine by more than 542,000 gallons per year.
Environment Maine released a report Tuesday that says 2,300 drivers in Maine could purchase their first plug-in vehicle within the next three years. Overall those vehicles would reduce Maine’s carbon pollution by nearly 3,500 metric tons per year — and more if plug-in vehicles are powered by clean power sources.
Environment Maine says manufacturers are prompted to produce more electric vehicles by policies adopted in states and the federal government.
Maine has adopted goals to reduce its oil dependence by 30 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2050. President Barack Obama has proposed fuel efficiency standards to build clean, advanced technology cars.
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