California is making big changes to how people drive. The state wants to stop selling new gas-powered cars by 2035. This means electric cars will become much more common on the roads. Many people are wondering what this means for their current vehicles and future car buying plans.
These changes will affect everyone in California, not just car enthusiasts. It’s important to understand what’s happening and how it might impact your daily life. From commuting to work to planning road trips, the switch to electric cars could change a lot about how you get around.
California’s Bold Move Against Gas Cars
In September 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order setting an ambitious plan to end sales of gas-powered cars and trucks by 2035. This groundbreaking move made California the first state to ban gasoline engines, aiming to combat climate change and reduce air pollution.
The Environmental Crisis Driving Change
California’s decision came during a challenging time. The state faced freak lightning storms, wildfires, and record-breaking heat waves. These events highlighted the urgent need for action against climate change, with transportation accounting for 40% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The Air Resources Board’s 2022 Decision
On August 25, 2022, the California Air Resources Board took a decisive step by voting to allow only the sale of new passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs with zero tailpipe emissions starting in 2035. This decision, known as the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) proposal, effectively bans the sale of new gas and diesel-powered vehicles in the state from that date.
What This Means for California Drivers
It’s important to note that this new rule doesn’t mean gas-powered vehicles will suddenly disappear from California’s roads. People who own gas or diesel vehicles can continue to drive and even sell them as used cars after 2035. The rule only applies to new vehicle sales, allowing for a gradual transition.
California’s Electric Vehicle Market
California has been leading the charge in electric vehicle adoption in the United States, accounting for more than half of all plug-in electric vehicles sold in the country. However, there’s still a long way to go, with electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles making up only 7.9% of light-duty vehicle sales in 2019.
Challenges in Electric Vehicle Adoption
Despite the push for electric vehicles, hurdles remain. Price is a major factor, with electric vehicles costing on average 20% more than gas-powered cars. Other concerns include the lack of charging infrastructure and range anxiety. However, advances in battery technology promise to bring down costs and increase driving range.
The Clean Air Act and State Adoption
Under Section 177 of the Clean Air Act, states must either follow federal emissions standards or adopt California’s more stringent guidelines. This provision has allowed other states to follow California’s lead in banning gas-powered cars.
States Following California’s Lead
As of now, eleven states have announced plans to enforce the Advanced Clean Cars II rule and prohibit the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. These states are Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
Early Adopters: Massachusetts and Washington
Massachusetts and Washington have trigger laws that automatically adopt California’s emissions regulations. Both states immediately followed California’s August 2022 legislation, becoming the first to join the gas-powered car ban.
New York and Oregon Join the Movement
New York became the fourth state to begin mobilizing for the ban, with Governor Kathy Hochul initiating legislative efforts in September 2022. Oregon followed suit in December 2022, with its Environmental Quality Commission voting to phase out gas-powered vehicle sales by 2035.
New Jersey and Maryland’s 2023 Announcements
In March 2023, both New Jersey and Maryland announced their plans to ban gas-powered car sales by 2035. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed executive orders to initiate the process, while Maryland Governor Wes Moore cited public health benefits as a key reason for adoption.
Rhode Island and Delaware’s Recent Actions
Rhode Island put the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations into effect in May 2023, becoming the eighth state to do so. Delaware finalized its regulations in April 2023 after a public hearing, amending its existing Low Emission Vehicle program.
Ongoing Processes in Maine and Vermont
Maine is currently in the process of adopting the ACC II standards, with public hearings and rulemaking sessions ongoing. Vermont approved changes to its clean-car requirements in November 2022, aiming for new cars sold in the state to be zero-emission vehicles by 2030.
Pennsylvania’s Commitment
While Pennsylvania has agreed to adopt the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations in accordance with its adherence to California’s emissions legislation, the state hasn’t yet released specific details about its implementation plan.
The Road Ahead
As more states join California in banning gas-powered cars, the automotive industry faces a significant shift. This transition presents both challenges and opportunities, from expanding charging infrastructure to developing more affordable electric vehicles. The coming years will be crucial in determining how smoothly this transition occurs and its impact on consumers, manufacturers, and the environment.
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