The new regulations are designed to compel automakers to speed up the release of cleaner automobiles on the market. It follows Governor Gavin Newsom’s goal to hasten the transition away from fossil fuels in 2020. The decision is significant since California has one of the largest economies in the world and is the most populated state in the US.
Under the rules, issued by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), 35% of new vehicles sold in the state must be electric, hybrid or hydrogen-powered by 2026.
The regulations would apply to 68% of vehicle sales by 2030, and 100% by 2035.
CARB chair Laine Randolph said the move was “a historic moment for California, for our partner states and for the world as we set forth a path toward a zero emission future”.
The announcement is the latest move by California as it continues to move faster than the US federal government to tighten emission rules.
With more than 39m residents, California is the biggest US state by population. If it was a standalone country it would be the fifth-largest economy in the world by gross domestic product, putting it ahead of the United Kingdom.
Joseph Mendelson, senior counsel at electric carmaker Tesla, said CARB’s plan was “both achievable and paves the way for California to lead in electrifying the light duty sector”.
However, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation – which represents carmakers including General Motors, Volkswagen and Toyota – said more needed to be done to boost demand for electric vehicles (EVs).
“What we’ve said to CARB and others is that getting more EVs on the road must go hand-in-hand with other policies that together will ultimately determine the success of this transition,” the alliance’s president and chief executive John Bozzella said.
The new rules still have be approved by the US government before they can take effect.
However, the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers trade association called on President Biden and the Environmental Protection Agency to “reject California’s request for a Clean Air Act waiver to proceed with this unlawful ban.”
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