The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved California’s plan to prohibit the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035, marking a significant step in the state’s commitment to cleaner energy.
According to Reuters, this plan, which received the EPA’s endorsement as one of the final actions of President Joe Biden’s administration, was first introduced in 2020. It mandates that at least 80 per cent of new cars sold must be electric.
Under the California Clean Air Act, up to 20 per cent of new vehicles must be plug-in hybrids by 2035.
“Clean cars are here to stay,” California Governor Gavin Newsom stated. “Naysayers like President-elect Trump may choose to align with the oil industry rather than consumers and American automakers, but California will continue to drive innovation in the market.”
Mr Newsom’s remarks referred to Mr Trump’s promise to overturn the EPA approvals for California, which called for more electric vehicles and stricter emissions standards when he takes office in January.
The EPA also granted a series of waivers to California, including the state’s “Omnibus” low-NOx regulation for heavy-duty highway and off-road vehicles and engines, while six additional waivers are still pending, as reported by Reuters.
Meanwhile, New York, Oregon, Massachusetts, and eight other states have adopted California’s regulations. It remains uncertain whether these states will secure approval to implement the plan under the incoming Trump administration.
