US EPA approves California plan to ban sale of gas-only cars starting in 2035
SUMMARY
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved California's groundbreaking plan to ban the sale of gasoline-only vehicles starting in 2035, marking a significant step in the state's efforts to combat 'climate change'. Under the waiver granted by EPA Administrator Michael Regan, California will require that at least 80% of new vehicles sold by 2035 be electric and up to 20% plug-in hybrids. The decision, made during the final weeks of President Joe Biden’s administration, faces potential reversal as President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to rescind California’s EPA approvals for stricter emissions standards. California’s rules, initially announced in 2020, have been adopted by 11 other states, including New York and Massachusetts. Governor Gavin Newsom hailed the move, emphasizing California's leadership in fostering clean energy innovation. Newsom also proposed a state-level rebate plan to offset the potential loss of federal EV tax credits under Trump’s administration.
