The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted approval to a new regulation from California that will phase out the sale of gas-powered vehicles. This move comes after the California Air Resources Board enacted the “Advanced Clean Cars II” regulation in 2022, which mandates that all vehicles sold in California starting in 2035 will be zero-emission. However, the rule required approval from federal authorities under the Clean Air Act. On Wednesday, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan granted that approval, allowing California to implement the zero-emission plan over the next 11 years. Under this plan, at least 35% of the vehicles sold in 2026 will need to be zero-emission or plug-in hybrid vehicles.
“California has longstanding authority to request waivers from EPA to protect its residents from dangerous air pollution coming from mobile sources like cars and trucks,” Regan stated. “Today’s actions follow through on EPA’s commitment to partner with states to reduce emissions and act on the threat of climate change.”
In response to this approval, the American Petroleum Institute, a trade organization for the oil and gas industry, issued a harsh critique on Wednesday. They called on President-elect Donald Trump to reverse the decision when he takes office in January.
“Governor Newsom’s extreme energy policies have already raised costs and limited choices for Californians, and granting this waiver will only expand this misguided approach that American voters have clearly rejected,” said Will Hupman, Vice President of Downstream Policy at API.
Meanwhile, car manufacturers have expressed their concerns about the new regulation. Toyota Motor North America’s Chief Operating Officer, Jack Hollis, stated in November that meeting the 35% clean vehicle mandate for the 2026 model year “looks impossible.” He further explained, “I have not seen a forecast by anyone, government or private, anywhere that has told us that that number is achievable.” Hollis added, “Demand isn’t there. It’s going to limit a customer’s choice of the vehicles they want.”
In the second quarter of 2024, electric vehicles saw a slight increase in market share in the U.S., though the increase was primarily due to the rise in hybrid electric vehicle sales, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Across the nation, many cities and states have been pushing for stricter regulations on gas-powered vehicles, citing the urgent issues of climate change and pollution. In October, Baltimore’s lawmakers passed legislation to ban gas-powered leaf blowers for all city workers and contractors, with the ban taking effect on December 15.
Additionally, Reuters reported on Tuesday that the Trump transition team is preparing to recommend major changes to reduce policies promoting electric vehicles. The team is also expected to take a firmer stance against vehicle components from China, according to the report.
{Matzav.com}
on January 20 President Trump is gonna REVERSE this verdict