California will phase out the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035.
What We Know:
- Governor Gavin Newsom signed the executive order on Wednesday which bans the sale of new gas vehicles after 2035. The executive order will still allow gas-powered cars to be owned and sold on the used-vehicle market.
- With almost 2 million vehicle sales in 2019, California is the largest new car market in the U.S. The California Air Resources Board has been tasked with developing a phase-out plan to achieve zero-emissions for all new personal use vehicles by 2035 and as many medium-to-heavy-duty vehicles deemed feasible by 2045.
- “This is the most impactful step our state can take to fight climate change,” Governor Newsom said. “Our cars shouldn’t make wildfires worse – and create more days filled with smoky air. Cars shouldn’t melt glaciers or raise sea levels threatening our cherished beaches and coastlines.” California’s emissions from non-transportation sources are falling due to the state’s aggressive climate policy. Newsom also supports a ban on fracking in California.
- Former Governor Jerry Brown signed an executive order in 2018 trying to expand California’s infrastructure of hydrogen fueling stations and electric vehicle charging stations. While the sale of zero-emission vehicles has been increasing, they still account for fewer than 8% of new vehicle sales in California.
- California and several states along the west coast have been facing devastating wildfires. The fires have caused thousands of acres of destruction and have resulted in terrifying smoke and air quality. Five of the six largest fires in California history started in August and September of this year.
California’s climate efforts have been at odds with the Trump administration’s policy agenda. The president has sought to revoke the state’s authority to mandate zero-emission vehicles.
