The California state government has secured approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. However, questions remain about the feasibility of this regulation due to anticipated opposition from President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed intentions to revive the gasoline industry. The Trump administration had previously clashed with California over environmental policies, raising doubts about the sustainability of this initiative.

On December 19, the New York Times (NYT) reported that the EPA approved two key emission control proposals submitted by California. EPA Administrator Michael Regan stated, “California has the authority to request waivers to protect residents from air pollution caused by mobile sources like cars and trucks.” He added that this decision reflects the EPA’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change in collaboration with California. Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the importance of clean vehicles, stating, “California can protect its people by cleaning the air and reducing pollution.”

Phased Implementation Plan
Under the EPA's approval, California will gradually restrict the sale of new gasoline-powered cars, with a target of achieving 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035. The state also plans to increase the proportion of zero-emission vehicles in new car sales to 35% by 2026 and 68% by 2030. Additionally, California is tasked with reducing nitrogen oxide emissions from heavy-duty vehicles by up to 90%.

California has long enforced stricter emission regulations than federal standards under the 1970 Clean Air Act. The act allows California to apply for federal waivers to implement more rigorous environmental policies. The EPA’s separate approval of California’s emission control proposals reflects this precedent.

Federal-State Tensions
However, the upcoming Trump administration is expected to challenge California’s electric vehicle mandate. During his campaign, President-elect Trump criticized California’s electric vehicle policies as “unreasonable regulations” and pledged to reverse them.

A spokesperson for Trump’s transition team commented on the EPA decision, stating, “The American people have overwhelmingly reelected the President-elect and granted him the authority to fulfill his campaign promises. He will support the automotive industry and ensure room for both gasoline and electric vehicles.”

The auto industry has also expressed strong opposition to California’s regulations, hoping the new administration will nullify the state’s policies. John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, remarked, “This outcome was expected. We anticipate that President Trump will rescind this measure by 2025.” He added, “While we advocate for national guidelines to reduce carbon emissions, the issue of California’s regulatory authority ultimately lies with federal policymakers and the courts.”

California’s Legal Preparations
In anticipation of legal battles, California has already begun preparing for a fight with the incoming federal administration. On December 2, Governor Newsom proposed raising up to $25 million for litigation efforts, and the state legislature has introduced a bill to provide substantial financial support for these legal challenges.

By Reporter Park Hong-yong

<Hongyong Park>