US' environment agency approves California’s plan to ban sale of petroleum-powered vehicles by 2035

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given the green light to California’s ambitious plan to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars and light trucks by 2035. This approval allows the state to implement the Advanced Clean Cars II Regulations (ACC II), which were originally crafted and approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in 2022.

The plan sets a clear roadmap for transitioning to cleaner vehicle technologies, aiming to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. California’s proposal not only targets passenger vehicles but also introduces stricter regulations for reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, a major contributor to smog.

A year-by-year transition plan

Under the ACC II, California will gradually phase out combustion-engine vehicles, setting interim goals to encourage the adoption of cleaner alternatives. By 2026, 35 per cent of all new cars sold in the state must be electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids, or hydrogen fuel cell models. This target increases to 68 per cent by 2030, ultimately reaching 100 per cent by 2035.

While the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles will cease, consumers and dealerships will still be able to buy and sell used gas-powered and hybrid cars. The California Air Resources Board estimates this plan could lead to a 50 per cent reduction in vehicle-related pollution by 2040, significantly improving air quality and public health.

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Stricter emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles

In addition to passenger cars, California’s plan addresses pollution from heavy-duty vehicles, which are a significant source of NOx emissions.  

The state has set a target to reduce NOx emissions by 75 per cent initially, followed by a 90 per cent reduction in subsequent years. These measures aim to reduce smog and enhance overall air quality across the state.

A bold step toward cleaner air

California Governor Gavin Newsom praised the EPA’s decision and the ACC II regulations as a landmark moment in the fight against climate change. He emphasised that the plan demonstrates the state’s leadership in tackling pollution and protecting public health.

California’s strategy could serve as a blueprint for other states looking to adopt stricter environmental policies. As the largest car market in the United States, the state’s shift towards zero-emission vehicles is expected to influence the automotive industry and accelerate the transition to cleaner technologies nationwide.