EPA Approves California’s Plan to Prohibit New Gas-Powered Vehicle Sales by 2035

December 18, 2024 TruthUSA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made an announcement to approve two requests from California under the Clean Air Act.

Under the Biden administration, California has been given the green light to gradually discontinue the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles, a decision that President-elect Donald Trump is expected to attempt to overturn.

On Wednesday, the EPA revealed its decision to approve two state requests under the Clean Air Act.

The EPA has issued a waiver under the Clean Air Act, enabling California to fully implement its regulation mandating that all new car sales be zero-emission by 2035.

Additionally, the EPA sanctioned a Clean Air Act waiver for California’s heavy-duty omnibus regulation, which aims to decrease nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from heavy-duty trucks.

Furthermore, California received permission to impose the most stringent requirement in the country, necessitating all new car sales to be zero-emission by 2035. This is more demanding than a federal rule enacted this year that sets emission standards but does not require electric vehicle sales.

According to the EPA, California is permitted to implement emissions standards independently of federal regulations to address the state’s “significant air quality challenges.”

In order to achieve these goals, state officials had to request waivers from the EPA.

The EPA stated in a statement that it evaluated the information provided by California, including public comments, and concluded that the opposition to the waiver failed to demonstrate how either program contradicted the federal Clean Air Act.

“California has a longstanding authority to seek waivers from EPA to safeguard its citizens from harmful air pollution originating from mobile sources such as vehicles,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan in a statement. “Today’s actions fulfill EPA’s promise to collaborate with states in reducing emissions and tackling climate change.”

Governor Gavin Newsom of California remarked that the EPA’s decision reflects confidence in the state’s ambition to enhance air quality and reduce pollution across the nation.

“With an increasing variety of makes and models available, millions of Californians have already transitioned to clean vehicles,” Newsom stated in a statement. “Automakers are committed to collaborating with California and its consumers as we progress towards clean cars that are cost-effective.”

Trump’s Position

The EPA’s recent decision sets the foundation for an upcoming clash between Newsom and the incoming Trump administration.

Plans to reverse the Biden-era electric vehicle policies are already taking form under Trump’s direction, as reported by Reuters. His strategy would reallocates funds earmarked for establishing charging stations and making electric vehicles more affordable towards national defense objectives.

“Upon taking office, President Trump will prioritize the auto sector, fostering an environment for both gasoline-powered and electric vehicles,” stated Karoline Leavitt, spokeswoman for the Trump transition team, to Reuters.

The EPA’s ruling is also significant for more than a dozen other states that adhere to California’s leading emissions standards.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a lobbying organization representing most vehicle manufacturers in the U.S., commented in a statement that the EPA’s decision was anticipated and expressed belief that Trump will contest it in 2025.

“We believe that the country should have a unified, national standard to diminish carbon emissions in transportation. However, the broader question concerning California’s authority to create a vehicle emissions framework—and for other states to adopt it—ultimately falls under the jurisdiction of policymakers and the courts,” said John Bozzella, president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.

The lobbying group has previously urged Trump to consider relaxing emissions regulations and maintain federal tax incentives to keep electric vehicles affordable.

In 2019, former President Trump revoked California’s authority regarding emissions, a decision that was later overturned by Biden’s EPA, restoring the state’s authority three years afterward.

From NTD News

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