The most populous state in the U.S. has just made a landmark announcement with legislation signed into effect this August: California will be banning the sale of new EVs
starting in 2035. There’s more to the story of course, but it’s a huge decision that solidifies the Golden State’s commitment to renewable energy. And hopefully, the new laws will signal to other states that it’s high time to start reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade.
Perhaps it’s time to start focusing on reducing your car insurance
premiums as well. We can help with that—find out whether the Jerry app could help you keep some extra cash in your wallet. California makes their gasoline ban official
CNBC
reports that the rule, issued by the California Air Resources Board
, went into effect August 25, 2022, and will force automakers to speed up the production of cleaner vehicles beginning in 2026 until sales of only zero-emission cars, pickup trucks and SUVs are allowed in the state.The unanimous vote comes after Gov. Gavin Newsom set a target in 2020 to accelerate the shift away from internal combustion engines. The transportation sector represents the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in California, which has suffered from record-breaking wildfires, droughts, and air pollution worsened by climate change.
What will happen to gas-powered cars in California by 2035?
The gasoline ban is a little misleading, as it seems to indicate that all gasoline-powered cars will be illegal. There’s a bit of a loophole, though—a massive one, actually.
While new gasoline-powered vehicle sales will be illegal, used vehicles can be sold personally, and are still legal to drive. Carmakers in California will also be allowed to have an inventory that is 20% hybrid vehicles, which still use gasoline.
These regulations, despite being lenient on gas-powered and hybrid vehicles, are expected to produce a 50% reduction in California’s air pollution levels by 2035.
MORE: Lawn Mowers Going Green: California Is Banning New Gas-powered Equipment
Are any other states following California’s gasoline ban?
So far, 14 other states have set a target to reduce emissions based on California’s regulations. They include New York, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Virginia, and others. These changes haven’t gone unchallenged, though.
In 2020, the Trump administration revoked California’s ability to govern its own air quality standards, a move that was later undone by the Biden administration. Depending on the outcome of the next presidential election, we could see California’s progress undone, or continue to be left alone.
MORE: By 2035, New Gas-Powered Cars Will Be Banned in This Country
Find affordable car insurance in California with help from Jerry
Air pollution regulations are a bit out of our control—but finding you affordable car insurance isn’t. Jerry
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