California state government announcements or federal court rulings

EPA Grants California Authority to Ban New Gas-Powered Car and Light Truck Sales by 2035, Facing Reversal by Trump

Dec 18, 2024, 07:05 PM

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted California the authority to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars and light trucks by 2035. This decision follows the approval of two waivers under the Clean Air Act, enabling California to enforce stricter vehicle emissions standards than federal regulations. The move is part of California's Advanced Clean Cars II Regulations, which aim to phase out sales of new gasoline-powered vehicles, requiring that 35% of new car sales be zero-emission by 2026, 68% by 2030, and 100% by 2035. The EPA's action also includes approval for California's plan to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, targeting a 75% reduction initially, followed by a 90% reduction in subsequent years. Despite this approval, the incoming Trump administration has indicated plans to reverse these waivers, setting the stage for potential legal challenges and policy reversals.