What's happened
The EPA has granted California waivers to enforce strict vehicle emissions standards, including a ban on new gas-powered cars by 2035. This decision is expected to face immediate challenges from the incoming Trump administration, which has pledged to roll back Biden-era climate policies.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the EPA's approval of California's emissions waivers is a significant move to protect state regulations from the incoming Trump administration, which has promised to revoke them. EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized California's authority to set stricter standards, stating, "Today’s actions follow through on EPA’s commitment to partner with states to reduce emissions and act on the threat of climate change."
TechCrunch notes that California's plan to phase out fossil fuel cars is set to begin in 2026, requiring 35% of new car sales to be zero-emissions vehicles. However, the incoming administration's reversal of these standards could stall progress. John Bozella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, indicated that automakers are seeking a unified national standard, hinting at potential industry support for the Trump administration's changes.
Ars Technica highlights that California's Advanced Clean Cars II regulations will require all new light- and medium-duty vehicles sold in the state to be zero emissions by 2035. The article also points out that the waivers do not expire, making it more challenging for the Trump administration to revoke them without significant legal hurdles. Environmental groups have praised the EPA's decision, viewing it as a crucial step toward cleaner air and reduced pollution.
How we got here
California has historically struggled with air pollution and has been granted waivers under the Clean Air Act to set stricter emissions standards than federal regulations. The state aims to phase out fossil fuel vehicles by 2035, a plan initiated in 2022.
Common question
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What is California's plan to eliminate gas-powered cars by 2035?
California is taking bold steps to combat climate change by planning to phase out gas-powered cars by 2035. This initiative raises many questions about its implications for car buyers, the environment, and how other states might respond. Here’s what you need to know.
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Clean Air Act 1956, in the United Kingdom
Clean Air Act (United States), 1963, with later amendments
Clean Air Act 1972, in New Zealand
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