Gov. Gavin Newsom has called for a ban on the sale of new gasoline-fueled vehicles beginning in 2035.  On Sept. 23, Newsom directed the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to establish regulations requiring that all new cars and passenger trucks sold in California in 2035 be zero-emission vehicles.

Gov. Newsom held a press conference in Sacramento on September 23 to announce the executive order. Image: YouTube.com

Newsom is also asking the Legislature to implement a fracking ban by 2024.  This direction comes in response to ongoing criticism from environmentalists that California isn’t doing enough to stop the use and production of fossil fuels in the State.

During his press conference, Newsom said:  “This is the most impactful step our state can take to fight climate change.”

Update at 120pm

From Governor Newsom’s Press Release:

“Following the order, CARB will develop regulations to mandate that 100 percent of in-state sales of new passenger cars and trucks are zero-emission by 2035 – a target which would achieve more than a 35 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and an 80 percent improvement in oxides of nitrogen emissions from cars statewide.  In addition, CARB will develop regulations to mandate that all operations of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles shall be 100 percent zero emission by 2045 where feasible, with the mandate going into effect by 2035 for drayage trucks.  To ensure needed infrastructure to support zero-emission vehicles, the order requires state agencies, in partnership with the private sector, to accelerate deployment of affordable fueling and charging options. It also requires support of new and used zero-emission vehicle markets to provide broad accessibility to zero-emission vehicles for all Californians.  The executive order will not prevent Californians from owning gasoline-powered cars or selling them on the used car market.

By the time the new rule goes into effect, zero-emission vehicles will almost certainly be cheaper and better than the traditional fossil fuel powered cars. The upfront cost of electric vehicles are projected to reach parity with conventional vehicles in just a matter of years, and the cost of owning the car – both in maintenance and how much it costs to power the car mile for mile – is far less than a fossil fuel burning vehicle.

The executive order sets clear deliverables for new health and safety regulations that protect workers and communities from the impacts of oil extraction. It supports companies who transition their upstream and downstream oil production operations to cleaner alternatives. It also directs the state to make sure taxpayers are not stuck with the bill to safely close and remediate former oil fields. To protect the health and safety of our communities and workers, the Governor is also asking the Legislature to end the issuance of new hydraulic fracturing permits by 2024.

The executive order directs state agencies to develop strategies for an integrated, statewide rail and transit network, and incorporate safe and accessible infrastructure into projects to support bicycle and pedestrian options, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.”

Note:  The text of today’s executive order can be found here and a copy can be found here.