Environmental groups sue Maine, claiming state has failed to comply with climate law [Video]

Environmentalists, frustrated that regulators rejected rules to broaden electric vehicle use in Maine, have filed a lawsuit accusing state officials of failing to comply with targets for reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

The Conservation Law Foundation, Sierra Club and Maine Youth Action on Friday sued two state agencies in Cumberland County Superior Court.

The groups said the Department of Environmental Protection and Board of Environmental Protection, which provides oversight of the DEP, are responsible for implementing Maine’s Climate Law, requiring greenhouse gas emissions to be cut at least 45% from 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% by 2050.

The environmentalists have asked the court to order the board to adopt rules that comply with the state’s climate law, with a priority for transportation on or before Nov. 1. They also are asking the court to order the agency to adopt EV rules or an alternative rule by the same date. That date is one month before the Dec. 1 deadline …