Following the example of Brussels, the Government of California has decided to impose a ban on all-combustion engines in 2035. The Air Resources Board (CARB), the body that dictates environmental regulations, unanimously approved that, as of that date, only 100% electric and plug-in hybrid cars can be sold.
The new state plan, called Advanced Clean Cars II, is based on CO2 limits that will progressively tighten, starting in 2026. However, for the rule to take effect, the federal administration of Joe Biden must approve the requirements that will mark the state lines in the Clean Air Act or allow California to ignore it.
Thus, in 2026, the Executive intends that 35% of registrations come from electric cars, plug-in hybrids or hydrogen. In 2030, this market share will be 68%, and 100% in 2035.
According to his calculations, in 2030 there will be 2.9 million combustion vehicles circulating in California, a figure that will increase to 9.5 million in 2035.
Of the different US states, California has historically been the most aggressive in terms of environmental legislation, setting more ambitious limits than those of the federal government —its first law in this regard was published in 1959—. Another 17 territories have followed suit, including Colorado, Washington and New York.
However, this brought the Government of California into conflict with the previous Administration, the Republican of Donald Trump. Between 2018 and 2020, the then US president threatened to withdraw the legislative privileges of the western state and imposed less severe emission limits than those of his predecessor, Barack Obama. In 2021, this measure was reversed.
According to the president of the Air Resources Board, Liane Randolph“This is a historic moment for California, because we are leading the way for a zero emissions future.”
mixed reception
Although the relationship between CARB and the manufacturers has not always been the most fluid, now Ford and General Motors, two of the builders that had most opposed their measures, now fully support the motion.
“At Ford, the fight against climate change is a strategic priority, and we are proud of California,” said the Blue Oval’s Director of Sustainability. “By 2026, we will invest more than $50 billion to build a zero-emissions future that includes everyone,” he concluded.
However, other builders, such as Tesla, claim that this measure is “too slow” and request that it be brought forward to 2030, also limiting “the use of polluting plug-in hybrids annually.” According to the CARB proposal, these models must have a minimum autonomy of 80 km in electric mode to enter the regulations.
The Association of American Petroleum Producers urged the Joe Biden administration not to accept California’s request to ignore the Clean Air Act. “To do so would make the state governor and CARB the environmental authorities of the United States.”