California’s Clean Car Mandate Gains Federal Approval amid Political Uncertainty
In a pivotal move, the Biden administration has greenlit California’s ambitious mandate to phase out new gas-powered cars, setting a bold precedent just as a potential challenge from the Trump administration looms. This decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grants California the ability to enforce that by 2026, 35% of new cars sold must be zero-emissions, escalating to 68% by 2030, and reaching full compliance by 2035.
This waiver, crucial for California’s environmental strategy, is accompanied by another EPA approval targeting reductions in nitrogen oxides from heavy-duty vehicles, which contribute significantly to smog. The Trump administration, however, is poised to contest these approvals in court, aiming to reverse California’s stringent vehicle standards.
Donald Trump, at a Michigan campaign event, boldly dismissed the notion of banning gas-powered cars in any state, asserting, “I guarantee it — no way.” His stance reflects a broader opposition to California’s long-standing efforts to address air quality issues, particularly in areas like Los Angeles and the San Joaquin Valley, where vehicle emissions are a major health concern.
California’s authority to set its own vehicle emission standards stems from a 1967 clean-air law, but each standard requires an EPA waiver. Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA can only deny these if deemed arbitrary, unnecessary, or technologically unfeasible. Historically, no California waiver has been revoked, despite attempts by the Trump administration in 2019 to curtail California’s regulatory powers, leading to lawsuits from California and other states.
“California has longstanding authority to request waivers from EPA to protect its residents from dangerous air pollution coming from mobile sources like cars and trucks,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. This approach aligns with efforts to mitigate California’s severe air pollution, which ranks among the worst in the U.S. Non-compliance with federal smog standards could lead to economic penalties, including loss of highway funds.
Paul Cort of Earthjustice emphasized the significance of EPA’s approval, stating it is “a critical step forward in protecting our lungs from pollution and our wallets from the expenses of combustion fuels.” The transition to zero-emissions vehicles is seen as a cost-effective measure that will also bolster the clean energy workforce.
California’s push for clean vehicle regulations has faced challenges, with electric vehicle sales growth stalling in recent months. State data shows only a 1.2% increase in sales this year, compared to higher growth in previous years. The California Air Resources Board, influenced by the political climate, recently retracted a proposed rule to increase zero-emission motorcycle sales, opting instead for incentives.
Pending EPA decisions on six other California emissions rules, including those targeting diesel trucks and locomotives, could lead to further legal battles. Recent Supreme Court actions indicate a potential shift in judicial interpretation of environmental regulations, adding complexity to California’s regulatory landscape.
Despite these hurdles, California’s mandate is a cornerstone of its climate agenda, inspiring similar policies in 11 states and Washington, D.C. The state’s economic clout has led major automakers like BMW, Ford, and Honda to align with its standards, recognizing California as a pivotal market.
However, the journey towards complete electrification is fraught with challenges, notably the need for a significant increase in public charging infrastructure. California aims to establish one million public charging stations within six years, a tenfold increase from existing numbers. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation has expressed skepticism about achieving 100% zero-emission sales by 2035 across all states adhering to California’s rules.
“There needs to be balance and some states should exit the program,” the industry group stated, highlighting the complexities of this transition.
Original Story at laist.com