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California urges EPA to approve ban on new gas-powered car sales by 2035
Summary
California is urging the Biden administration to approve their proposal to mandate all new vehicles sold in the state by 2035 to be electric, hydrogen-powered or plug-in electric hybrids. The request needs a green light from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in order for the state to implement its new rules. California has already seen some success in transitioning to zero-emission vehicles, and has invested $2.9 billion to accelerate its EV charging and hydrogen refueling goals. Other states have followed suit in adopting California's ZEV requirements. The EPA has not yet confirmed setting a date to phase out the sale of gas-powered vehicles, but will review California's request.
Q&As
What is California proposing to the EPA in regards to new car sales?
California is proposing to the EPA that all new vehicles sold within the state by 2035 be exclusively electric, hydrogen-powered or plug-in electric hybrids (PHEVs).
What emission standards must vehicles meet to qualify under the proposed regulations?
Vehicles must have a minimum 50-mile all-electric range to qualify under the proposed regulations.
What percentage of new car sales in California were zero-emission vehicles in 2022?
In 2022, nearly 19% of all new cars sold in the state were zero-emission vehicles.
What authority does the Clean Air Act grant to California?
The Clean Air Act grants California the authority to set stricter emission standards for vehicles than the federal government.
What benefits are expected if California's waiver request is approved?
If California's waiver request is approved, the total benefits are expected to reach $301.41 billion.
AI Comments
👍 California is setting a great example by encouraging the transition to zero-emissions vehicles and investing in EV charging and hydrogen refueling. It is encouraging to see other states following its lead with similar legislation.
👎 California's proposed plan is expensive and may not be feasible for some automakers. Furthermore, the Biden administration has yet to affirm setting a date to phase out the sale of gas-powered vehicles.
AI Discussion
Me: It's about California urging the EPA to approve their ban on new gas powered car sales by 2035. They already approved the plan in August, but it still needs the EPA's approval. The rules would mandate that all new cars sold in California would have to be electric, hydrogen-powered, or plug-in electric hybrids. The goal is to promote the transition to zero- emission vehicles.
Friend: Wow, that's a bold move. It sounds like it could have a major impact on the auto industry.
Me: Absolutely. It could be a major shift in how cars are produced and sold in the US. It will likely take some time for manufacturers to adjust production, and consumers will have to make the switch to electric cars. It could also lead to other states passing similar legislation and it could have a major impact on air quality.
Action items
- Research the Clean Air Act and the authority it grants to California to set stricter emission standards for vehicles than the federal government.
- Follow the open public process in considering California’s request for the EPA to approve a waiver under the Clean Air Act.
- Research the other states that have adopted the California ZEV requirements and the benefits they have seen from doing so.
Technical terms
- California Air Resources Board (CARB)
- A state agency in California responsible for protecting the public from exposure to toxic air contaminants and regulating air quality.
- Clean Air Act
- A federal law that regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- A federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment.
- Zero-Emissions Vehicles (ZEVs)
- Vehicles that produce no emissions from their tailpipe.
- Plug-in Electric Hybrids (PHEVs)
- Vehicles that combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery.
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
- Vehicles that use a fuel cell to convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, which powers an electric motor.