In a concerted effort to combat climate change, nine states are gearing up to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. This initiative, known as the Advanced Clean Cars II rules, aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector.
Originating in California under the auspices of the state Air Resources Board, the regulations will gradually phase out the sale of new gas-powered vehicles starting from the 2026 model year. By 2035, a complete ban on the sale of such vehicles will be implemented.
California paved the way for this movement when it first adopted the rules in 2022. Since then, eight other states, including Washington, Oregon, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Delaware, and Maryland, have followed suit, with more states considering joining the initiative.
It’s important to note that these regulations do not prohibit residents from owning or using gas-powered cars. Dealerships will still be able to sell used gas-powered vehicles, and consumers can purchase such vehicles from other states as long as they meet certain emissions standards.However, not everyone is on board with this ambitious plan. Ray Cantor, the chief deputy government affairs officer at the New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA), has criticized the initiative for ignoring the costs to consumers and the lack of current infrastructure. Cantor emphasized the need for a more gradual transition to alternative fuel vehicles.
On the flip side, proponents of the action, like Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Director Terry Gray, view it as a significant step in the fight against climate change. Gray believes that by sending a clear signal to the market, states can achieve greater economies of scale, driving down the prices of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and ensuring broader access to electric vehicles.
This move aligns with the Biden administration’s broader agenda to transition the transportation sector from gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles as part of its efforts to address climate change. While the push toward EVs has faced challenges, including setbacks in the industry and concerns about infrastructure readiness, proponents remain optimistic about the potential for significant emissions reductions in the coming years.
As the world grapples with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, initiatives like the Advanced Clean Cars II rules represent important steps toward a more sustainable future. However, the success of these efforts will depend on collaboration between governments, industry stakeholders, and consumers to overcome challenges and embrace cleaner transportation technologies.
