Governor Newsom Announces Major Climate Initiative

This morning, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an Executive Order announcing California’s plan to eliminate the sale of the internal combustion engine by 2035. This Order comes as an effort to keep the State on track with its goal to be carbon-free by 2045. During his press conference, the Governor cited transportation as the number one sector contributing to over 50% of the State’s greenhouse gas emissions, however assured Californians that they would be able to keep their internal combustion engine cars, and the used car sales market will continue to include these engines. The press release states:

“Following the order, the California Air Resources Board will develop regulations to mandate that 100 percent of in-state sales of new passenger cars and trucks are zero-emission by 2035 – a target which would achieve more than a 35 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and an 80 percent improvement in oxides of nitrogen emissions from cars statewide. In addition, the Air Resources Board will develop regulations to mandate that all operations of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles shall be 100 percent zero emission by 2045 where feasible, with the mandate going into effect by 2035 for drayage trucks.“

Additionally, the Order sets forth the goal “that 100 percent of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in the State be zero-emission by 2045 for all operations where feasible and by 2035 for drayage trucks. It shall be further a goal of the State to transition to 100 percent zero-emission off-road vehicles and equipment by 2035 where feasible.”

The Air Resources Board will be given authority to propose regulations consistent with getting California to its target of 100 percent zero-emission vehicles sold in the State, including passenger vehicles and trucks, and medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. They are also given the authority to work with other State agencies, U.S. Environmental Protections Agency and local air districts to propose strategies for California to accomplish its goal of 100 percent zero-emission from off-road vehicles and equipment operations in the State by 2035.

Governor Newsom closed his press conference stating that California is just getting started as leaders in the fight against climate change.

KSC is working closely with our partners in the business community to address the Governor’s announcement and Executive Order. One of the first steps is engaging in the regulatory process as the California Air Resources Board is tasked with developing the regulation to implement the Executive Order.

The Executive Order can be found here. View Update