For addressing climate change and harmful pollution California is banning the sale of all new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. In other words, only zero-emissions cars (ZEVs) will be sold after 2035. However, natives will be allowed to own, drive, buy and sell used cars that run on gas.
The transportation sector is the largest source of California’s current carbon emissions. The governor’s office believes there will be about 35% drop in greenhouse gas emissions once this policy goes into effect.
“California now has a groundbreaking, world-leading plan to achieve 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035,” said the state’s governor, Gavin Newsom. “It’s ambitious, it’s innovative, it’s the action we must take if we’re serious about leaving the planet better off for future generations.”
At present, about 16% of new vehicles sold in the state are classed as ZEVs. Under the new ruling, California Air Resources Board has set an interim goal. According to that 35% of new vehicles sold produce zero emissions by 2026, 51% by 2028, 68% by 2030, and 100% by 2035.
This move will also have dramatic effects beyond California and will probably lead other states to follow suit.
Daniel Sperling, a member of the California Air Resources Board (Carb) said, “This is monumental,”
“This is the most important thing that Carb has done in the last 30 years. It’s important not just for California, but it’s important for the country and the world.”
