California’s Gas-Powered Car Ban Sparks Similar Moves in Other States

California is set to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, aiming for all new vehicles to produce zero tailpipe emissions. The policy, approved by the California Air Resources Board in 2022, will not affect existing vehicles but will require automakers to sell electric vehicles and certain plug-in hybrids. Following California’s lead, 11 other states have announced similar bans, with more potentially joining. These states include Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
Under Section 177 of the Clean Air Act, states must follow either federal emissions standards or California’s stricter guidelines. California’s Advanced Clean Cars II rule stipulates that zero-emission vehicles must constitute 35% of new car sales by 2026, 68% by 2030, and 100% by 2035.
The bans do not apply to used gas-powered cars or vehicles purchased out-of-state. Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles are also targeted, with an aim for them to be zero-emission by 2045. President Joe Biden has set a goal for half of all new U.S. vehicle sales to be electric by 2030 but has not proposed a nationwide ban on gas-powered cars.
Several major automakers are aligning with these regulations. General Motors plans to be fully electric by 2035, while other companies like Jaguar, Volvo, Rolls-Royce, and Honda have set similar targets. Challenges remain, including the higher cost of electric vehicles and the need for extensive charging infrastructure.
Experts suggest that while these bans will help reduce emissions, achieving the goals will require significant advancements in EV affordability and infrastructure development.