California to ban sales of petrol-only vehicles by 2035

In a historic move toward combating climate change, California will outlaw the sale of new fossil fuel vehicles by 2035.

The goal of the new regulations is to pressure automakers to speed up the release of cleaner automobiles on the market.

Governor Gavin Newsom has set a goal for 2020 to hasten the transition away from fossil fuels.

The move is significant because California is the US state with the highest population and one of the largest economies.

According to CARB regulations, by 2026, 35% of new vehicles sold in the state must be electric, hybrid, or hydrogen-powered.

By 2030, 68% of car sales would be subject to the requirements, and by 2035, 100%.

The decision was “a historic moment for California, for our partner states, and the world as we lay forth a road toward a zero-emission future,” according to CARB chair Laine Randolph.

The declaration is the latest action taken by California, which continues to tighten pollution regulations more quickly than the US federal government.

California is the most populous US state, with more than 39 million citizens. It would surpass the United Kingdom to have the fifth-largest economy in the world if it were an independent nation, as measured by gross domestic product.

Senior counsel at electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla, Joseph Mendelson, stated CARB’s plan was “both doable and sets the door for California to lead in electrifying the light-duty industry.”

To increase demand for electric vehicles, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which includes General Motors, Volkswagen, and Toyota among its members, has called for further action on EVs.

Before the new regulations can go into effect, they still need to be authorised by the US government.

However, the trade group for American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers urged President Biden and the Environmental Protection Agency to “reject California’s request for a Clean Air Act waiver to proceed with this unjust prohibition.”