Answers to Frequently Asked 
Questions About the  
Clean Cars Nevada  Draft 
Proposal  
 
 
 
• What is being proposed?  
The draft Clean Cars Nevada proposal is an initial agency draft regulation that  has two parts: 
the Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) standard and the Z ero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) standard.  
 
→ The LEV standard  is proposing to adopt rules that require motor vehicle manufacturers to 
deliver vehicles for sale in the Nevada market that produce lower emissions of greenhouse 
gases (GHG) and other harmful air poll utants , like oxides of nitrogen (NOx), particulate matter 
(PM), and carbon monoxide (CO).  
→ The ZEV standard  is proposing to set minimum sale s goals of electric vehicles as a percentage of 
all vehicles made available for sale in the Nevada market .  
 
• Why is t his needed?  
Governor Sisolak has directed his administration through Executive Order 2019 -22 to evaluate 
policies and regulatory strategies, including but not limited to those identified pursuant to 
Senate Bill 254  from the 2019 Legislative Session, to achieve r eductions in GHG  emissions 
consistent with Nevada’s commitment as a member of the U.S. Climate Alliance . Nevada has set 
goal s of reducing  statewide GHG  emissions 28% by 2025 and 45% by 2030,  compared to 2005 
levels . The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection ( NDEP ) is evaluating  adoption of these 
emission standards  for new motor vehicles sold in Nevada as programs  to reduce emissions 
from the transporta tion sector, which today accounts for  the largest percentage of  GHG  
emissions . In addition, these new standards  would  reduce emissions of harmful air pollutants  that 
contribute to ground level smog , especially in  Nevada’s urban areas.   
 
• What does this mean when  shopping for a new car or light truck?  
If these standards were adopted, a ll new vehicles offered for sale at dealerships  starting in 
Model Year 2025  would  have stronger  emissions standards than in most other states. In 
addition to the types of vehicl es commo nly offered for sale at dealerships , car buyer s would  
likely see a greater variety of low and zero emission vehicles in dealer showrooms.   
 
• Will the Zero Emission Vehicle rule  require  me to buy an electric 
vehicle?  
No. This rule will require vehic le manufacturers to meet annual sales percentages of zero 
emission vehicles .  
 
• When will the new requirements go into effect?  
The proposal will go into effect starting model year 2025 and will affect all subsequent model 
years.  Nevada is also propos ing to allow motor vehicle manufacturers to take advantage of 
early low and zero emission vehicle sales (through the banking of credits) by selling these 
vehicles in Nevada starting  with  model year 2023 . 
 
• What if I n eed a pickup truck for work or towing; will those still be 
available?  
Yes, work trucks powered by conventional gasoline and diesel engines will still be available for 
sale in Nevada. I t is expected that new zero emission technologies , such as electric vehicles , will 
soon be  offered in the pickup truck and SUV classes .   
 
  • What types of vehicles does this proposal apply to?  
The proposal only applies to passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and m edium -duty vehicles up to 
8,500 lbs . Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ( GVWR ), and medium -duty passenger vehicles up to 
10,000 lbs. GVWR.  
 
• I thought only the federal government could set vehicle emission 
standards. Does Nevada have the authority to set these standards?  
Section 177 of the Clean Air Act allows for states to adop t the L EV and Z EV California motor 
vehicle standards.  
 
• What is the regulatory adoption process that Nevada must follow to 
put this proposal  into effect? 
The Clean Cars Nevada proposal will need to be adopted as a new regulation by the State 
Environmental Commission  and the n the  Legislative Commission . But befo re this happens, 
NDEP and the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles will go through a process of engagement 
with the public, stakeholders, manufactures, and dealers. This process will help refine the 
regulation to ensure a successful implementation.   
 
• How can members of the public comment on this proposal?  
NDEP is planning several outreach events  that are anticipated to take place between August 
2020 and March 2021, with additional formal opportunities for input later in 2021 . Dates and 
locations will be announced soon . 
 
Questions and comments can be submitted now to CleanCarsNevada@ndep.nv.g ov 
 
Also, stay informed about the Clean Cars Nevada proposal by  subscrib ing to the  
Clean Cars Nevada Listserv . In order to s ubscribe, go to www.ndep.nv.gov  and scroll down the 
page to the Get Notices  link; select Clean Cars Nevada .