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The Biden administration on Wednesday approved pioneering California rules that would set stricter emissions standards than federal ones, in an attempt to ban the sale of gasoline cars by 2035.
In doing so, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted two requests from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for waivers that would allow the implementation of two rules: the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations for light vehicles and a low consumption regulation. regulation of nitrogen oxides for heavy-duty on- and off-road vehicles and engines.
California can set these standards through a clause in the Clean Air Act of 1970, which was written amid historic smog conditions in the Los Angeles region. But the Golden State must first apply to the EPA for a waiver for each rule it wants to establish, and only then can other states follow suit.
But the ability of California, and its fellow tailpipe rule adopters, to maintain emissions regulations that are stricter than the federal ones remains uncertain, as the incoming Trump administration has repeatedly promised to roll back any exemptions granted
Friday, the Supreme Courtgranted a requestof the oil industry seeking to revive a lawsuit against the Biden administration’s alleged reinstatement of California’s clean car program.
However, theAdvanced Clean Cars II ruleas approved Wednesday, will allow California to require 35 percent of cars sold in the state to be zero-emissions by 2026, 68 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2035.
The nitric oxide rule, also known as “All regulations,” will reduce heavy-duty nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 percent, revamp engine testing procedures and further extend engine warranties.
“California has long had authority to request waivers from the EPA to protect its residents from dangerous air pollution from mobile sources such as cars and trucks,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan , in a statement.
“Today’s actions follow EPA’s commitment to partner with states to reduce emissions and act on the threat of climate change,” Regan added.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) applauded the EPA’s action, stressing in a statement that “clean cars are here to stay.”
“With more makes and models available than ever before, millions of Californians have already made the switch to clean cars,” the governor continued.
Adding that automakers have made it clear they will stay in California, Newsom touted the ability of zero-emission vehicles to “save people money.”
“Naysayers like President-elect Trump would rather side with the oil industry than America’s consumers and automakers, but California will continue to foster new innovations in the marketplace,” the governor added.
