AUGUSTA – Auto industry representatives disagreed with environmentalists, physicians and a prominent Maine car dealer Thursday over the costs, benefits and legality of proposed pollution standards for new vehicles sold in Maine.

The Board of Environmental Protection held a public hearing on a plan to have Maine join California and five other states requiring new cars and trucks sold in the state to release 30 percent less greenhouse gas pollution by 2016.

If approved, it would effectively force car manufacturers to make vehicles that burn less gasoline and create less carbon dioxide.

Dickson Pike, an attorney representing the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, predicted the standards would increase the average price of a vehicle by at least $3,000 and drive Maine car buyers to New Hampshire, which does not have the standards.

Pike said the proposed rules won’t accomplish anything because climate change is a global issue and reducing pollution in one rural state won’t make a big difference. Consumers who want cleaner, more efficient cars can buy them already, he said.

“We believe the choices should continue to be made by the consumers, not the government,” he said.

But supporters of the proposal accused the auto industry of trying to avoid rules now the same way they fought against seat belts, air bags and catalytic converters.

Cleaner vehicles sold in 2016 will cost an extra $1,000 at most, but they also will burn 30 percent less gasoline, said Lynn Cayting of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

“Reduced operating costs would more than offset increased vehicle prices,” she said.

Dr. Jacob Garretson, a physician in Camden, said the rules would help people who suffer from asthma and other conditions.

Adam Lee, president of Lee Auto Malls, spoke in favor of the rules and said the industry has the technology, but not the will.

“I think the American car companies need to try a little harder,” he said. “However, I don’t think they will until the states force them to do so. They haven’t in the past.”

The Board of Environmental Protection is expected to vote on the proposal later this year.