Several states across the U.S. are taking significant steps towards environmental sustainability by planning to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars within the next decade. This move aligns with broader federal ambitions to phase out gas cars, as outlined in recent legislation by the Biden administration. The initiative, known as the Advanced Clean Cars II legislation, was first adopted by California and has since been embraced by at least eight states. This landmark rule mandates that only zero-emission vehicles be sold from the 2035 model year onwards, representing a decisive shift away from fossil fuel dependence in the automotive sector.
While the new legislation won’t compel Americans to remove gas-powered vehicles already on the road, it signifies a pivotal change, allowing for the purchase of used and secondhand gas vehicles only. The federal legislation complements these state-level actions by requiring automakers to cut tailpipe emissions of new vehicles by approximately 50 percent from the 2026 to 2032 model years. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aims for 35 percent to 56 percent of vehicles to be electric by 2032, along with 13 percent to 36 percent as plug-in hybrids, marking a substantial increase from current levels.
The states championing the Advanced Clean Cars II rule, including California, Rhode Island, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington, as well as the District of Columbia, are setting ambitious targets for zero-emission vehicle sales. For instance, California plans for 35 percent of new car sales to be zero-emission by 2026, escalating to 68 percent by 2030. This bold strategy aims to accelerate the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles, reducing the environmental impact of transportation.
Despite some states like Delaware and Colorado not committing to a complete ban by 2035, they have introduced measures to significantly increase the proportion of new zero-emissions vehicles by 2032. This growing trend underscores a national shift towards sustainable transportation solutions, driven by concerns over climate change and the need for cleaner air.
The push for electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum, with EVs accounting for 7.6 percent of new car sales in 2023. However, there’s a notable disparity across the country in the adoption of electric cars, with the West Coast, particularly California, leading the charge. Major automakers like General Motors have announced plans for a full transition to electric vehicle sales by 2035, reflecting the automotive industry’s commitment to embracing cleaner, more sustainable technologies.
As states outline their plans to ban gas-powered cars, the initiative not only pressures automakers to boost electric and hybrid vehicle production but also signals a significant transformation in the automotive landscape. This transition, while challenging, represents a crucial step towards mitigating climate change and fostering a sustainable future.