In 2022, the California Air Resource Board approved a plan that banned the sale of new cars powered by gasoline. In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency gave the green light to initiate the ban. The ban states that zero-emission vehicles must be 35% of new cars and light trucks sold by 2026; 68% by 2030; and a firm 100% by 2035 (Gearino). The ban does not prevent the sale of old or used cars that are powered by gas and does not prohibit an individual from crossing state lines to purchase a vehicle that runs on gas.
California is already infamous for having the worst air quality in the U.S. because of its alarming pollution levels. In fact, “nine out of ten Californians live in polluted air” and “vehicle emissions account for 80% of smog-causing air pollution in California” (Coltura). In order to reduce the state’s problems regarding pollution, there had to be legislative action taken to work towards a cleaner society, hence the ban.
Following California, 11 other states also implemented restrictions on gas-powered cars. The expansion of the law raises criticism that the ban will inevitably hurt the auto industry; however, “automakers were already preparing for a largely electrified future by the mid-2030s” (Gearino).
Even though California’s law fosters hope for those who seek a clean-air future, it is currently facing a backlash from the G.O.P. and the Trump Administration because of ongoing arguments regarding national policy. This is because “half of the nation’s car sales” occur in the 11 states that implemented the ban, and critics argue that Californians should have the freedom to “choose the vehicle of their choice” (Pinho et al.).
The lasting impact and longevity of the ban are uncertain. Regardless, it represents a historical step towards eliminating harmful pollutants emitted from gas-powered cars and symbolizes progress and efforts in creating a cleaner environment.
Works Cited
Gearino, Dan. “California Just Banned Gas-Powered Cars. Here’s Everything You Need to Know.” Inside Climate News, 1 Sept. 2022, insideclimatenews.org/news/01092022/california-just-banned-gas-powered-cars-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/.
Pinho, Faith E, et al. “Trump, Allies Seek to Block California’s 2035 Ban on Gas-Powered Cars.” Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025, www.latimes.com/politics/story/2025-02-26/trump-congressional-republicans-seek-to-block-californias-2035-ban-on-gas-powered-vehicles.
“The Gas Car Ban in California.” Coltura, Aug. 2023, coltura.org/california-gas-car-ban/.
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