The United States is making progress in sustainable mobility, thanks in part to the subsidies for electric vehicles that we have been revealing to you in recent weeks. However, now it has just made a historic slowdown that has the world in suspense (especially Asian countries, and soon you will see why). These 8 states have just banned these cars that we thought were going to be the future of our roads.
United States
In recent years, a growing number of states have passed legislation to phase out the sale of new gas-powered vehicles over the next 10-15 years. This represents a major shift as policymakers aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change by transitioning away from fossil fuel-powered transportation.
The movement first gained momentum in 2020 when California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order banning the sale of new gas-powered passenger vehicles by 2035. Since then, 7 other states have followed California’s lead by setting their own timelines to phase out gas car sales.
While these states currently represent only about 30% of the U.S. auto market, the bans have generated substantial buzz and speculation about the future of gas-powered cars in America. Proponents argue these targets are necessary to spur automakers to ramp up electric vehicle production and improve affordability.
8 states that are close to banning gas-powered cars: some even have a date already
The rise of gas-powered cars is contrasted, in the midst of 2024, with the programmed, progressive and irreversible disappearance that several states are carrying out. We would like to review with you the plans that some of them already have in place and also those that are intended to be implemented soon.
California
California made history in 2020 when Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order requiring all new passenger cars and trucks sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2035. This groundbreaking policy aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, which accounts for over 40% of emissions.
Washington
Washington was the second state to pass a gas-powered vehicle ban after California. In 2021, Governor Jay Inslee signed a bill into law that bans the sale of new gas-powered cars starting in 2030. The phase-out of gas vehicles will happen gradually between 2030 and 2035.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts became the third state to pass legislation banning the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035 when Governor Charlie Baker signed the bill into law in 2021. The law requires that all new passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in the state be zero-emission vehicles starting in 2035.
New York
New York passed legislation in 2021 that bans the sale of new gas-powered vehicles starting in 2035. This legislation is part of New York’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050. The law directs the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to adopt regulations.
Vermont
In 2021, Vermont passed a law banning the sale of new gasoline-powered passenger vehicles starting in 2035. This legislation, Act 153, makes Vermont the first state to mandate a transition to electric vehicles through legislation rather than an executive order.
Oregon
Oregon passed a ban on the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035 in 2021, with the law going into effect in 2035. This makes Oregon the seventh state to adopt such a ban, demonstrating the momentum that is building around transitioning to electric vehicles in the years ahead.
Washington D. C.
Washington D.C. passed a ban on the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles in 2021 that will take effect in 2035. This makes the capital the first East Coast jurisdiction to mandate 100% zero-emission vehicles. The Clean Energy D.C. Omnibus Act of 2018 set the initial goal for the district to shift to entirely renewable electricity by 2032.
Hawaii
Hawaii was the most recent state to propose banning sales of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2030. Governor David Ige signed a bill in June 2022 that sets the 2030 target for phasing out gas car sales, with exemptions for public safety vehicles. The bill does not ban owning or even registering gas-powered cars.
It is clear that gas-powered cars were not the solution we expected, at least not for these 8 states that have banned them. In any case, there are still companies that are willing to continue innovating with a fuel that we thought had disappeared. Do you understand now why they are looking at us sideways in Asia? They are, especially in Russia, one of the main producers, even if it´s not an importer.