California Gov. Gavin Newsom received a major boost on Wednesday for his plans to ban all new gas-powered cars in the state by 2035.
Newsom’s victory could be short-lived, however, with President-elect Donald Trump coming into office next month.
The big picture: The Environmental Protection Agency granted two requests from the California Air Resources Board to implement new regulations for vehicles.
- The two waivers California requested were for the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulations for light-duty vehicles and the “Omnibus” low-NOx regulation for heavy-duty highway and off-road vehicles and engines.
Flashback: Newsom signed an executive order in 2020 requiring all new cars sold in California to be zero-emission vehicles, starting in 2035.
What they’re saying: The EPA said in a statement that the opponents to California’s waiver request did not meet the burden to show how either program is inconsistent with the Clean Air Act.
- “California has longstanding authority to request waivers from EPA to protect its residents from dangerous air pollution coming from mobile sources like cars and trucks,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “Today’s actions follow through on EPA’s commitment to partner with states to reduce emissions and act on the threat of climate change.”
What we’re watching: The EPA’s approval for Newsom’s ban will likely face scrutiny from Trump when he takes office, given that he has spoken out against the plan, previously saying he will revoke all California waivers.
- “When he takes office, President Trump will support the auto industry, allowing space for both gas-powered cars AND electric vehicles,” said Trump’s incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Newsom’s response: Newsom took aim at Trump on Wednesday in a statement on the EPA granting his ban.
- “Naysayers like President-elect Trump would prefer to side with the oil industry over consumers and American automakers, but California will continue fostering new innovations in the market,” Newsom said.
