The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday signed off on two major clean air rules in California aimed at reducing pollution from cars and trucks, including a statewide ban on the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035.
Under the Clean Air Act, California has the ability to adopt stricter vehicle emissions requirements than the federal government. But the state must seek a waiver from the EPA.
EPA granted two exemptions to two regulations approved by the California Air Resources Board:
- The Advanced Clean Vehicles II rule, adopted in 2022, requires California auto dealers to sell an increasing percentage of new vehicles that are zero-emission or plug-in hybrid vehicles. The regulations culminated in a 2035 ban on the sale of new gasoline-powered cars.
- The heavy-duty omnibus rule adopted in 2020 sets cleaner engine standards and requires warranties on new heavy-duty vehicles. It is scheduled to take effect this year.
State officials said the EPA’s action allows the state to enforce the regulations, which together are expected to prevent more than 3,700 premature deaths and provide $36 billion in public health benefits.
“California has long had the right to request exemptions from the EPA to protect its residents from dangerous air pollution from mobile sources like cars and trucks,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement. “Today’s action honors this. “This demonstrates the EPA’s commitment to working with states to reduce emissions and address the threats of climate change.”
Environmental groups applauded the EPA’s decision, which will help California address its largest source of pollution and greenhouse gases — its transportation sector.
“It may sound like a bureaucratic process to check, but EPA approval is a critical step in protecting our lungs from pollution and protecting our wallets from burning fuel bills,” said Earthjustice Rights Zero Campaign Director Paul Cotter said. “The gradual shift of vehicle sales toward zero-emission models will reduce smog and household costs while increasing California’s clean energy workforce. The EPA must now approve California’s remaining authorization requests to allow the state to clean its air and protect its residents.
California will join 27 countries including the European Union, the United Kingdom and Canada in banning the sale of new gasoline vehicles by 2035 or earlier.
Experts say approving the rules before President-elect Trump enters the White House would make it harder for the incoming Trump administration and other opponents to attack them.
