The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted permission to California and 11 other states to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035, a move expected to be met with resistance from President-elect Donald Trump. The Biden administration’s decision is part of its efforts to enact major climate policies before the end of President Biden’s term.
Under the Clean Air Act, California has historically received waivers to implement stricter pollution limits than those set by the federal government. These waivers have allowed the state to reduce toxic pollutants like soot and nitrogen dioxide, which contribute to asthma and lung disease.
The new waiver would require that any new car sold in these states be a zero-emissions vehicle by 2035. However, it does not apply to used cars. The move is seen as a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
Automakers have expressed concerns about the new rules, citing the need for balance between achieving emission reductions and meeting customer demands for choice in vehicles. California’s leadership in electric vehicle adoption has been cited as an example of how states can drive innovation in clean energy technologies.
The EPA’s decision comes as President-elect Trump is expected to revoke the program once he takes office. This could lead to a legal battle between the state and federal government over the rights of states to regulate emissions.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/18/climate/california-ban-new-gasoline-powered-cars.html