The Biden administration is on the cusp of granting California and 11 other states a pioneering permission to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035, one of the most ambitious climate policies in the United States and perhaps anywhere. It is the state’s long-standing commitment to environmental innovation and the basis of a dramatic transformation in the automotive landscape.
Under the Clean Air Act of 1970, California has enjoyed a right to more stringent clean air standards than what federal regulations mandate, in this case, a legacy that made the state a leader in environmental policy. Gov. Gavin Newsom describes the ban as “the beginning of the end for the internal combustion engine.” He noted that the state is committed to fighting climate change and its associated emissions of greenhouse gases.
However, the path to this environmental milestone is not without potential obstacles. Former President Donald J. Trump has already signaled his intent to challenge these policies. “California has imposed the most ridiculous car regulations anywhere in the world, with mandates to move to all electric cars,” he has stated, promising to “terminate that” upon returning to the office.
Shaping the Future of Transportation
The significance of California’s approach extends far beyond state borders. As the fifth-largest economy globally, California wields considerable market influence. In recent years, multiple states have adopted California’s tailpipe pollution limits, collectively representing nearly half of the U.S. auto market. Similar policies have also been implemented in the European Union and Canada, compelling automakers to invest heavily in electric vehicle development.
This strategy has already yielded impressive results. In 2023, electric vehicles accounted for more than 30 percent of automobile registrations in the San Francisco Bay Area and nearly 25 percent in Los Angeles. California has now surpassed two million zero-emissions vehicles sold, a testament to the state’s progressive approach.
Anticipating potential federal pushback, California has been proactively developing strategies to “Trump-proof” its climate agenda. During Trump’s previous administration, the state secretly negotiated emissions reduction agreements with major automakers like Ford, Volkswagen, Honda, and BMW. Governor Newsom has also promised state tax rebates for electric vehicle purchases if federal incentives are discontinued.
California vs. Federal Government: EV Mandate Faces Legal Battle
The environmental implications are significant. Transportation, particularly gas-powered vehicles, represents the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions in the United States. By pushing for zero-emission vehicles, California aims to dramatically reduce toxic pollutants like soot, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone that contribute to respiratory diseases.
Legal challenges are anticipated. The Supreme Court has already agreed to consider whether business groups can challenge the legality of California’s waiver program for controlling carbon dioxide emissions. This sets the stage for a potentially precedent-setting legal battle that could reshape environmental regulation in the United States.
Experts like Ann Carlson, who helped craft the Biden administration’s tailpipe emissions policies, emphasize the broader impact. “California is at the front and center of pushing transportation emissions to zero,” she notes. “If Trump denies California the ability to issue these regulations, he is stabbing at the heart of California’s ability to clean up greenhouse gases.”
The automotive industry is taking note. Major manufacturers have already begun significant investments in electric vehicle technology, driven by California’s progressive policies and growing market demand. As Peter Slowik from the International Council on Clean Transportation suggests, we might witness entirely new policy approaches emerging from states committed to clean transportation.
As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: California is determined to lead the charge toward a cleaner, more sustainable automotive future, regardless of political headwinds.
