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California has taken a significant step toward combating climate change by outlawing the sale of fossil-fuel vehicles by 2035 latest.
The new regulations are designed to push automakers to speed up the production of cleaner automobiles on the market. It follows the directives of Governor Gavin Newsom’s goal to hasten the transition away from fossil fuels in 2030.
The decision is considered significant since California has one of the largest economies in the world and is the most populated state in the US.
By 2026, 35% of new vehicles sold in the state must have an electric, hybrid, or hydrogen powertrain, according to regulations set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
By 2030 and 2035, 100% of vehicle sales would be subject to these requirements.
According to CARB chair Laine Randolph, the decision was historic because it charted a course for a future with no emissions for California, its partner states, and the entire world. The declaration is the latest move taken by California, which continues to enact stricter pollution limits than the US federal government.
California, which has a population of over 39 million, is the most populous state in the US. It would surpass the United Kingdom to become the fifth-largest economy in the world by gross domestic product if it were a separate nation.
Tesla senior counsel Joseph Mendelson praised CARB’s feasible approach and opened the door for California to take the lead in electrifying the light-duty sector.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which speaks for automakers like General Motors, Volkswagen, and Toyota, said more has to be done to boost demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Before going into effect, the US government must still approve the new regulations.
American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, a trade group, urged President Biden and the Environmental Protection Agency to turn down California’s request for a waiver of the Clean Air Act so that this illegal restriction may go into effect.
California is at the forefront of US Green Initiative
The Inflation Reduction Bill was enacted into law by the US government in August. The legislation aiming to assist the United States in using fewer fossil fuels is thought to be the cornerstone of how the country intends to create a greener environment. The Inflation Reduction Act, which the administration believes will help move the country’s economy and consumers away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy, is primarily motivated by tax credits. The law extends a number of existing tax advantages for renewable energy. It also creates new incentives for spending money on sustainable energy technology.
The proposal offers tax credits to encourage people to buy and use heat pumps, electric appliances, and other energy-efficient home technologies. Solar energy systems, battery storage, and electric cars are also eligible for tax incentives. It also extends a $7,500 tax credit for purchasing a new electric vehicle and a $4,000 credit for used electric vehicles. Credits are also available for buying electric vehicles for business use.
Read Also: How the Inflation Reduction Act will control climate change
Climate experts estimate that the strategy might reduce US emissions in 2030 by around 40% below 2005 levels. This would be a significant step in limiting the worst effects of climate change.
