US EPA Endorses California’s Ban on Gas-Only Cars by 2035 – One America News Network
December 18, 2024 – 7:47 AM PST
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on Wednesday that it has approved California’s groundbreaking initiative to phase out the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035.
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This decision during the final days of President Joe Biden’s administration paves the way for a battle over California’s automotive regulations. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to overturn the EPA’s approvals that allow California to enforce stricter electric vehicle (EV) requirements and emissions standards.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan approved a waiver under the Clean Air Act enabling California to proceed with its plan — initially proposed in 2020 — which mandates that by 2035, at least 80% of new car sales must be electric, with up to 20% allowed for plug-in hybrids. Eleven other states, including New York, Massachusetts, and Oregon, have adopted California’s regulations.
The EPA also granted California another waiver concerning its “Omnibus” low-NOx regulation for heavy-duty vehicles and engines, while six additional waivers are still under consideration.
“Clean cars are here to stay,” affirmed California Governor Gavin Newsom. “Skeptics like President-elect Trump may choose to align with the oil industry rather than the American public and automakers, but California will continue to drive innovation in the market.”
Last month, Newsom indicated that if Trump cancels the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, he would advocate for a new version of the state’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents major automakers like General Motors, Volkswagen, and Toyota, anticipates that Trump will revoke the waiver next year, arguing that California’s regulations “will hinder economic activity, raise costs, and restrict vehicle options,” necessitating a reduction in car sales across the 12 states to meet compliance.
“Most states following California’s lead are not prepared for these demands,” the organization stated. “Meeting the sales targets given the current market situation will require extraordinary circumstances. There needs to be equilibrium, and some states should withdraw from the program.”
Under California’s guidelines, 35% of vehicles for the 2026 model year must be zero-emission, increasing to 68% by 2030. The state emphasizes that this regulation is vital for achieving greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and reducing smog-forming pollutants.
On Friday, the Supreme Court agreed to consider a challenge from fuel producers regarding the 2022 waiver California received for vehicle emissions standards.
In March 2022, the EPA reinstated California’s ability to set its own tailpipe emission limits and zero-emission vehicle regulations through 2025, reversing a previous decision made during Trump’s first term.
Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Jonathan Oatis
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