Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order last Wednesday that bans the sale of gas-powered vehicles in the state of California by the year 2035. This bill was signed in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. by motivating California drivers to switch to electric cars.

This is the most progressive clean-air policy in the United States. The bill bans the production of new gas-powered vehicles after the 15 year mark, but it will still allow gas powered cars to be sold on the used car market. Governor Newsom endorses this bill, stating in an NPR article, “This is the most impactful step our state can take to fight climate change.” 

 A 2018 EPA analysis of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere stated, “The transportation sector produced 28.2% of greenhouse emissions.” The transportation sector generates the largest amount of greenhouse emissions through burning fossil fuels in cars, trucks, ships, and planes. Collectively, cars and trucks account for nearly one-fifth of all U.S. emissions, producing around 24 pounds of carbon dioxide and other global-warming gases for each gallon of gas used. 

According to a CA.gov article, “Communities in the Los Angeles Basin and Central Valley see some of the dirtiest and most toxic air in the country.” The World WildLife website explains that climate change takes form in our environment by causing more frequent flooding, a longer and more costly wildfire season, and droughts across the Great Plains.

Newsom agrees that, “For too many decades, we have allowed cars to pollute the air that our children and families breathe. Our cars shouldn’t make wildfires worse and create more days filled with smoky air. Cars shouldn’t melt glaciers or raise sea levels threatening our cherished beaches and coastlines.”

Following the order made by Newsom, the California Air Resources Board will develop regulations that mandate 100% of the in-state sale of gas powered vehicles to end by the year 2035. The California-based Coalition for Clean Air commended Newsom for his decision and gave full support in helping to put this mandate in full effect. This order will lead to a 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and an 80% improvement in air quality. “The Governor’s Executive Order is a meaningful step in addressing the climate crisis and protecting the health of Californians,” the California-based Coalition for Clean Air told NPR.  

California has been the first state to take the lead in requiring zero-emission vehicles. There are over 15 countries that have already committed to phasing out gas-powered vehicles and opening the market to producing electric cars. This will begin the robust innovation of electric vehicles and making them more affordable. 

By moving toward electric-powered cars, the US government claims, “The upfront cost of electric vehicles will project to reach parity with conventional vehicles in just a matter of years, and the cost of owning the car–both in maintenance and how much it costs to power the car mile for mile–is far less than a fossil fuel burning vehicle.” The California-based Coalition for Clean Air told NPR that not only will it help will it cut down the rising levels of global warming, but, “Electrifying transportation will also create jobs and help California move forward in its economic recovery.”  

Gov. Newsom is taking impactful steps to phase out gas-powered vehicles, and his small actions will amount to great change in later years.