The regulations, backed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, are the first of their kind in the United States and are widely expected to reshape America’s auto market.
Starting in 2035, all cars sold in California must be zero-emissions, the state’s board of air quality decided today. So-called hybrid cars are also considered zero-emission cars, as long as their electric range is at least 50 miles.
35 percent of new cars must be emission-free from 2026 and 68 percent from 2030. The regulation does not apply to the sale of used combustion engine cars. Diesel-powered trucks have also been given time until 2045.
President Joe Biden the administration still has to approve the California decision. One of Biden’s central political goals has been for the United States to become a leading country in the fight against climate change. This is aimed at, among other things, by providing subsidies for the purchase of electric cars
Governor of California Gavin Newsom the regulations supported are the first of their kind in the United States and are widely expected to shape the American auto market.
California has more than 1.1 million electric cars, which is more than 40 percent of the country’s electric cars.
“Historical Moment”
– Increasing the number of zero-emission vehicles on our roads will significantly reduce emissions and pollution. This will benefit all Californians and especially those who live near roads and are constantly affected by air pollution, Chairman of the California Air Resources Board Liane Randolph said in a statement.
– This is a historic moment for California, the United States and the world, Randolph stated.
Environmentalists have praised the measure, and hope that other US states will rush the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. At least Washington and Massachusetts have already announced that they will follow California’s lead.
Transportation is the largest source of emissions in the United States.