California’s Plan to Ban the Sale of New Gasoline Cars Approved
SACRAMENTO, CA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially approved California’s plan to phase out the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035, marking a major step in the state’s aggressive push toward clean energy transportation.
Under the plan, which was developed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in 2022 and is known as the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation, automakers must ensure that:
- By 2026, 35% of all new vehicle sales consist of electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids, or hydrogen fuel cell models.
- By 2030, this target increases to 68%.
- By 2035, 100% of new car sales must be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).
Regulations on Used Gasoline Cars and Heavy-Duty Vehicles
The ACC II regulations do not ban the purchase or sale of used gasoline-powered cars, allowing existing combustion-engine vehicles to remain in circulation, according to Endaget.
Additionally, California has introduced a separate initiative aimed at reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, which is expected to significantly improve air quality and reduce smog. The state’s goal is to cut NOx pollution by 75% in the first phase and up to 90% in subsequent stages.
Environmental and Economic Impact
Liane Randolph, Chair of the California Air Resources Board, stated that this policy could reduce pollution by 50% by 2040. Governor Gavin Newsom praised the EPA’s approval, calling it a landmark decision that reinforces California’s leadership in combating air pollution and protecting the environment.
With this approval, California remains at the forefront of the clean energy transition, setting a precedent for other states to follow in the fight against climate change and vehicle emissions.
