Last week, the California Air Resources Board approved a historic plan to phase out the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles. The plan will require all new passenger cars and light trucks sold in the state to be electric vehicles or other emissions-free models.
So, let’s get into it.
By 2026, 35% of new cars sold in California must be either zero-emission, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen powered models.
By 2030, that criterion rises to 68% of new cars sold.
And by 2035, 100%.
The rule only applies to new car sales. You can still drive your gasoline-powered vehicle after 2035 and continue to buy or sell used gasoline-powered vehicles as well. Truth be told, the rule doesn’t apply to consumers much at all— it won’t force shoppers to buy electric vehicles. Rather, it will fine automakers who fail to comply.
Nonetheless, this is still huge news. Currently, transportation accounts for about 40% of California’s greenhouse gas emissions. Experts believe that by 2040, the policy will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars more than 50% from the levels predicted without it.
Even better, other states are expected to follow suit. Virginia revealed that it is bound by a 2021 state law to phase out gasoline-powered cars by 2035 too. 15 states have backed California’s policy, while the states of Washington, Oregon, Massachusetts, and New York have taken steps to actually jump on the bandwagon. In response, the automobile industry is adapting. Dodge announced that it would discontinue its gas-powered Charger and Challenger, while General Motors plans on building an electric vehicle charging station network across the country.
Others are a bit more skeptical of the new policy. Some say the whole thing could fall apart if the next Republican administration decides to revoke the federal waiver that allows California to set its own emissions standards. Additionally, because electric vehicles are expensive, consumers might be encouraged to keep their older gas-guzzling models or purchase them from out of state. Finally, California may not have the infrastructure to walk the walk. With only 80,000 charging stations, they’re falling behind their target of 250,000 by 2025.
This blog post is part of the CIMA Law Group blog. If you are located in Arizona and are seeking legal services, CIMA Law Group specializes in Immigration Law, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and Government Relations.
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