California’s Ban On New Gas Car Sales By 2035 Approved By Biden Administration

California will ban the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, following approval from outgoing President Joe Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The move cements California’s controversial leadership in stringent emissions policies while raising questions about its broader implications for consumers and the automotive industry.

Under the new Advanced Clean Cars II rule, California will phase in the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) over the next decade. The policy requires 35% of new car sales in the state to be zero emission by 2026, 68% by 2030 and 100% by 2035.

The EPA granted the Golden State the authority to implement this rule on Wednesday. Governor Gavin Newsom (D) praised the decision, highlighting California’s commitment to alternative energy: “With more makes and models available than ever before, millions of Californians have already made the switch to clean cars.”

NEW: All gas car sales will be banned in the state of California by 2035, thanks to the Biden administration's new approval.

The new rule will pave the way over the next 10 years to ensure that every car sold in the state is electric.

The Advanced Clean Cars II rule means 35%… pic.twitter.com/egBesUZu5l

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 18, 2024

Newsom took aim at critics of the rule, including Donald Trump, saying, “Naysayers like President-elect Trump would prefer to side with the oil industry over consumers and American automakers, but California will continue fostering new innovations in the market.”

The Hill has more:

“California has longstanding authority to request waivers from EPA to protect its residents from dangerous air pollution coming from mobile sources like cars and trucks,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement.

“Today’s actions follow through on EPA’s commitment to partner with states to reduce emissions and act on the threat of climate change,” Regan added.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) applauded the EPA’s action, stressing in a statement that “clean cars are here to stay.”

Under a waiver granted by the Clean Air Act—established when Los Angeles faced some of the worst air pollution in the United States—the state is permitted to set its own, often stricter, emissions rules. This exception has positioned California as a de facto regulator for the auto industry, as automakers typically design vehicles to comply with its requirements to maintain access to the state’s vast market.

The state’s policies often influence national and even global markets. Automakers with international operations frequently align their product strategies with California’s standards, ensuring compliance across multiple markets.

While proponents argue that the new rules will accelerate the adoption of cleaner technologies, critics warn of potential challenges. Concerns include higher upfront costs for electric vehicles (EVs) and the need for significant investments in infrastructure, such as charging stations.

Additionally, the policy will inevitably spark debates about consumer choice and its impact on less affluent households, where the cost of transitioning to EVs poses a financial burden.

As the largest vehicle market in the United States, California’s regulations—crafted by the Democratic supermajority in Sacramento—are set to shape the automotive landscape for years to come, despite Republicans controlling all three branches of government in Washington. This stark political reality will continue to raise critical questions about left-wing priorities and economic realities.

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