California To Ban New Gas-Powered Cars By 2035
Source: Daniel Cassady · FORBES · | September 23, 2020
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Wednesday that will ban the sale of gas and diesel-powered passenger vehicles in the state by 2035, in the most aggressive legislation to fight climate change taken by any state in the U.S.
Plug in electric vehicle or PEV charger, Los Angeles Auto show, California, USA. CITIZEN OF THE PLANET/UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP VIA GETTY IMAGES
Key Facts
The executive order requires all new passenger vehicles sold in California to be zero-emission, which includes battery-powered electric cars, vehicles that run on hydrogen fuel cells, and plug-in hybrids that still use some gasoline or diesel in addition to electricity.
The decision is likely to face pushback from the Trump administration, who is already battling California in court over the state’s authority to set auto emissions rules that are more strict than current federal standards, though at least four major car manufacturers have agreed to California’s tougher restrictions.
Under the new order, residents would still be able to own gas-powered vehicles, and sell them on the used-car market.
Transportation causes over 40% of the greenhouse gasses emitted in California, more than any other sector—and the state says banning new gas-powered cars and trucks could drop greenhouse gas emissions by 35%.
Similar legislation has been taken up 15 countries, including the U.K., France and Germany.