California is taking a momentous leap towards a greener future by phasing out gasoline-powered vehicles. Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order that will require all new passenger cars and trucks sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2035. This ambitious target sets a precedent for climate action and positions California as a global leader in the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. The “California Ban Gas Cars” initiative is driven by the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, while also fostering innovation and economic growth within the state.
This landmark decision addresses the critical issue of transportation, which is the largest contributor to California’s greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for over 50% of the state’s total. Furthermore, the transportation sector is responsible for a staggering 80% of smog-forming pollution and 95% of toxic diesel emissions. These pollutants disproportionately impact communities in areas like the Los Angeles Basin and the Central Valley, which already suffer from some of the nation’s worst air quality. By transitioning to zero-emission vehicles, California aims to mitigate these harmful effects and ensure cleaner, healthier air for all residents.
“This is the most impactful step our state can take to fight climate change,” Governor Newsom stated. Highlighting the urgency of the situation, he emphasized the need to protect future generations from the detrimental effects of vehicle emissions. The “california ban gas cars” policy is a direct response to concerns about respiratory illnesses like asthma in children, the increasing threat of wildfires exacerbated by climate change, and the long-term dangers of rising sea levels.
To implement the “california ban gas cars” policy, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will develop comprehensive regulations. These regulations will mandate that 100% of new passenger car and truck sales within California must be zero-emission by 2035. This ambitious goal is projected to achieve a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions – over 35% – and an 80% improvement in oxides of nitrogen emissions from vehicles across the state. CARB will also establish mandates for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles to operate entirely on zero emissions by 2045, with a nearer target of 2035 for drayage trucks.
Recognizing that a successful transition to EVs requires robust infrastructure, the executive order also mandates state agencies to collaborate with the private sector to accelerate the deployment of affordable and accessible charging and fueling options. This includes supporting both new and used zero-emission vehicle markets to ensure that all Californians, regardless of income level, can benefit from this transition. Importantly, the “california ban gas cars” order does not restrict the ownership or resale of gasoline-powered cars in the used car market. Californians will still be able to own and sell gasoline vehicles; the ban applies only to the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles.
California’s commitment to phasing out gasoline cars aligns it with global leaders in environmental policy. Fifteen countries have already pledged to phase out gasoline-powered vehicles, and California’s market influence is expected to further drive innovation and reduce the costs of zero-emission vehicle technology worldwide. Experts predict that by 2035, electric vehicles will not only be environmentally superior but also economically competitive, if not cheaper, than traditional gasoline cars. The upfront cost of EVs is rapidly approaching parity with conventional vehicles, and the long-term cost of ownership, including maintenance and energy expenses, is already significantly lower for EVs.
Beyond the “california ban gas cars” initiative, the executive order addresses the broader implications of transitioning away from fossil fuels. It includes provisions for developing new health and safety regulations to protect communities and workers from the impacts of oil extraction. The order also aims to support oil companies in transitioning to cleaner energy alternatives and ensures that taxpayers are not burdened with the costs of decommissioning and remediating former oil fields. Governor Newsom has also called upon the Legislature to end the issuance of new hydraulic fracturing permits by 2024, further solidifying California’s commitment to moving beyond fossil fuel dependence.
Furthermore, the executive order promotes a holistic approach to sustainable transportation by directing state agencies to develop strategies for an integrated statewide rail and transit network. It also emphasizes the importance of incorporating safe infrastructure for bicycle and pedestrian options into transportation projects, particularly in underserved communities. This comprehensive vision aims to create a multi-faceted transportation system that reduces reliance on personal vehicles and promotes equitable access to clean mobility options.
California’s “california ban gas cars” executive order is the latest in a series of ambitious actions to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability. The California Air Resources Board has recently approved regulations requiring truck manufacturers to transition to zero-emission trucks starting in 2024. California has also joined forces with 14 other states to accelerate the market for electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and has actively challenged federal attempts to weaken clean car standards. These coordinated efforts demonstrate California’s unwavering commitment to building a carbon-neutral economy and addressing the urgent threat of climate change. Through the “california ban gas cars” policy and related initiatives, California is not only transforming its transportation sector but also setting a global example for sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
