In an effort to reduce the carbon emissions, 15 US states have announced plans to outlaw the sale of any new gas-powered motor vehicles over the course of the next ten years, with several other states planning to join the initiative. The ‘Advanced Clean Cars II’ law specifies that, as of 2035, only zero-emission cars will be able to be legally marketed in states that are involved in the scheme. After that dealerships and automakers will not be allowed to sell any new gasoline-powered automobiles. Here are 15 states that have plans to ban the sale of gasoline-powered vehicles.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is fully committed to the new Advanced Clean Cars II law, aiming to clearly indicate their dedication to being green, they are cutting emissions and embracing cleaner tech.
Through setting strict standards and adding in some incentives, the Bay State seems to be making big strides in becoming an eco-friendly transportation state.
California
Unsurprisingly the most noteworthy state to jump on the bandwagon is the sunny state of California.
The plans in the state are being spearheaded by Governor Gavin Newsom. His plan is that by 2026, a full 35% of all new vehicle sales must be zero-emission; that number will rise to 68% by 2030. The Californian city of San Jose had the highest percentage of new electric car registrations of any large metro region in the US last year at over 40%.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island has also proposed to adopt the new law, much like a lot of its neighbors to the northeast.
The Ocean State seems to be eager to tackle vehicle emissions head-on by embracing the next generation vehicle tech.
New Jersey
The home of Bruce Springsteen and Tony Soprano has also been an early adopter of these cleaner car laws.
The regulations entail more stringent standards for vehicle emissions and fuel efficiency, which they believe will encourage consumers to use electric and low-emission vehicles.
Maryland
In efforts to help improve the poor air quality in Maryland, the state plans to implement the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations.
In September of 2023 the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) officially accepted and became the first state in the region to finalize the regulation.
New York
New Yorkers will also have to find a way to wrap their heads around these brand new rules.
The enactment of this law is part of a state-wide initiative to reduce vehicle emissions and promote cleaner transportation situation. More and more incentives are being introduced to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles.
Washington
Another state that is happy to adopt the greener side of things is Washington.
This area of the Pacific NorthWest region has consistently been proactive in its stance towards balancing pollution and environmental protections. The people of this state have been environmental activists since before it was the cool thing to do, and its lawmakers are at the forefront of creating policies aimed at preserving natural resources and reducing pollution.
Oregon
It probably isn’t that surprising to hear that out of all the states Oregon is on the list to adopt this new legislation.
Known for being progressive and an environmentally-aware state, this part of Cascadia is very conscious of the harm and ill effects of pollution. So there was a high chance that Oregon would agree to the Advanced Clean Cars II proposals.
District of Columbia
There hasn’t been any concrete confirmation as of yet, but the indication is that the District of Columbia is keen to adopt the rule also.
This comes after the Sierra Club analysis claimed that, by 2035, these clean cars regulations in D.C. will likely cut dangerous fuel emissions of nitrogen oxides by a not inconsiderable 73%.
Virginia
Virginia used a previous trigger statute to enact the regulation back in 2022.
They may be a problem though, the new Republican governor, Glenn Youngkin, has announced his desire to repeal the law. Which for some is good news, but not so great for those Virginians that are actually concerned about air quality.
Vermont
On December 16, 2022, The Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules for Vermont enacted both the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation and ACC II.
Indicating that the Bernie Sanders’ leafy state is committed to swapping out gas guzzlers for electric and hybrid vehicles.
Colorado
Colorado, known for its diverse landscape of mountains, rivers, plains, ski resorts and South Park, saw the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission be introduced in the Colorado Clean Cars act on October 20, 2023.
The initiative aims to make The Centennial State a much greener place. At least in terms of automotive pollution.
Delaware
Delaware has also decided to get involved,although small, the state is very densely populated. The state announced its intent to adopt the Advanced Clean Cars II law on November 29, 2023. Delaware’s law mandates that car manufacturers supply a rising proportion of zero-emission cars, beginning with 43% for 2027.
Unlike California, Delaware’s statute is going to cap at 82% zero-emission vehicles in 2032 rather than going all the way to 100%.
Maine
Lawmakers in Maine declared in July of 2023 that they were seriously considering the adoption of the ruling.
They haven’t declared anything formally yet, but it seems pretty likely that the state is headed in that direction.
New Mexico
The southern state of New Mexico chose only to adopt the Californian sales percentage model through to 2032, not beyond it.
The New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board adopted the ACC II and ACT laws in one fell rulemaking swoop back in November of 2023.
