Another US State Proposes Ban on Gas Cars

Launching gas-powered vehicles in the United States is increasingly becoming difficult for automakers as states begin to propose a large-scale ban on said cars.

First on the list is California, one of the most progressive states in America, which also established the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in 1967. CARB mandates new emissions guidelines that are often deemed stricter than federal rules.

This explains why California Governor Gavin Newsom brazenly signed an executive order banning sales of new internal combustion engine vehicles by the year 2035—this he did while standing next to the new Ford Mustang Mach-E.

Now, another US state is following suit.

The Department of Environmental Protection in New Jersey recently announced its plans to also ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035.

The bill is yet to be signed into law, but Governor Phil Murphy’s administration is looking to reduce New Jersey’s emissions by 80% come 2050. This was stated in a report released by his team called the 80×50 Report.

“The 80×50 Report is a call-to-action for all of us in government and in New Jersey to roll up our sleeves and craft the next generation of climate-focused laws and policies,” Murphy said. “Our Administration has taken the climate crisis head-on since day one. But the challenge before us demands more. As we have learned from the crisis brought about by Covid-19, we cannot spare a moment in taking the necessary steps that will prepare us for this next crisis. Together, we will meet this moment.”

Aside from California and New Jersey, there are other states that have adhered to CARB’s rules in the last few years, three of which are Colorado, Maine, and New York.

In the 80×50 Report, the New Jersey government also offers recommendations, such as the development of zero-carbon energy-generating resources, the use of new technology, and policy initiatives that cut back on emissions and protect forests and marshlands in the state.