EPA approves California waiver to ban gas-powered car sales

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) agreed Tuesday to grant California two waivers that will allow the state to ban gas-powered cars by 2035 – in an anticipated move. But could it just be a temporary win for the state?  

First things first: The waivers granted by the EPA are rooted in California’s efforts to thwart plans to overturn its stringent emissions standards to combat planet-warming and hazardous air pollution – that roughly a dozen other states plan to adopt.

• The first waiver – granted to the California Air Resources Board – allows the state to fully implement its regulations requiring all new vehicles to be zero-emissions by 2035

• Waiver two – ruled in favor of California’s environmental board – lowers the emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks and off-road vehicles.

California’s efforts to impose tighter car emissions standards have gotten massive support during President Joe Biden’s tenure in office, as part of a bigger push by his administration to address environmental issues.

What they’re saying: “California has longstanding authority to request waivers from EPA to protect its residents from dangerous air pollution coming from mobile sources like cars and trucks,”said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s actions follow through on EPA’s commitment to partner with states to reduce emissions and act on the threat of climate change.”

Between the lines: A group of fuel companies have been leading an aggressive court battle to try to reverse California’s emissions requirements, a move that aligns with President-elect Donald Trump’s position on the tighter standards.

Digging deeper: Amid California’s firm position on the emissions standards and growing concerns over greenhouse warming, Trump’s efforts to reverse the measures could prove tougher than expected.

• Dan Becker, director of the Center for Biological Diversity's Safe Climate Transport Campaign, contends that the Clean Air Act doesn't allow Trump to revoke an anti-pollution waiver.

• Becker also issued a staunch warning to President-elect Trump, stating, "So see you in court, Mr. Trump."           

Bottom line: It’s clear – given the broad implications of California’s emissions standards and the intensifying debate over the issue – that the battle between all parties involved will continue to play out well into 2025.

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