To achieve these goals, California air regulators approved several strict rules that will essentially lead to the ban of electric vehicles in just over a decade and set several targets to help with the phasing out of combustion cars.

In 2020, Gavin Newsom issued an executive order announcing the state’s plans to transition entirely away from combustion vehicles. By 2035, all new cars sold in California must produce zero tailpipe emissions.

Nonetheless, California appears to be moving forward with its decision, and a plethora of other states seem poised to follow suit.

“This is the most important thing that CARB has done in the last 30 years. It’s important not just for California, but it’s important for the country and the world,” he added.

Starting in 2026, 35% of new models sold in the state, including small pickups and SUVs, will be non-emission vehicles. This quota will slowly increase with each passing year.

In the five years that follow, the state expects the sale of new-gas-powered cars to drop dramatically until they reach their aspired goal of 100% by the year 2035.

Clearly a proponent of the new policies, suggesting they may reduce humanity’s effect on the environment, he added, “Cars shouldn’t melt glaciers or raise sea levels, threatening our cherished beaches and coastlines.”

“This is the most impactful step our state can take to fight climate change,” said Governor Newsom. “For too many decades, we have allowed cars to pollute the air that our children and families breathe.

Section 177 of the United States Clean Air Act requires all states to either adhere to the federal government’s emissions standards or adopt California’s stricter rules.

However, only half of this number, including Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont, announced they would implement the guidelines laid out in the Advanced Clean Cars rule, thus prohibiting the sale of gas-powered vehicles.

“This is a big part of the US market,” he added. “Even if the feds don’t move on a regulatory perspective, a big chunk of the country will be moving forward.”

As the vast majority of the United States doesn’t share California’s enthusiasm for electric vehicles, the gas-powered vehicle market is likely to remain strong in many states for the foreseeable future.