California to ban new fuel vehicles by 2035

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted to ban sale of new gas-powered vehicles in the state by 2035.

The unanimous vote was passed after Governor Gavin Newsom set a goal in 2020 to accelerate the transition from domestic combustion.

The plan, known as the CARB Advanced Clean Cars II rule, requires all new cars sold after 2035 to be zero emission.

“Vehicle engine emissions are detrimental to public health, well-being, environment and climate with several interconnected ways,” according to the staff report on the Advanced Clean Cars II rule. “Reducing of emissions will help stabilize the climate and reduce the risk of severe drought and forest fires and subsequent fine particulate pollution”.

Following Thursday’s vote, the CARB board tweeted a commitment Expand Californians’ access to zero-emission vehicles.

Regulation will be implemented in stages, with the number of cars with gas engine on the roads will decrease over time. Thirty five percent new passenger cars sold will need to be powered by batteries or hydrogen in 2026, 51% by 2028, 68% by 2030 and 100% by 2035.

According to the plan, Californians who already have powered cars internal combustion, will be allowed to continue using and selling them.

California’s transportation sector currently accounts for about 50% of emissions greenhouse gases in the state.

Gas and diesel vehicles are the largest source of greenhouse gases and harmful particles in the state. The new plan promises to cut these emissions.