California will phase out sales of new, gasoline-powered cars by 2035 as part of its fight against climate change, Governor Gavin Newsom announced — the first state to set an expiration date for the traditional automobile. The move comes as California battles historic wildfires that Newsom has blamed squarely on global warming, with more than 3.6 million acres burned so far this year. It could prompt other states that have followed California’s climate and auto policies in the past to set similar goals.
Newsom cast the step, enshrined in an executive order he signed on the hood of an electric Ford Mustang Mach-E, as an economic opportunity as the state transitions away from fossil fuel production and consumption. He said 34 electric vehicle companies, including Tesla Inc. already operate in California, which accounts for about half of the nation’s EV market.
“The opportunity is limitless for the state of California to compete,” Newsom said in a televised press conference. “This is the next big global industry, and California wants to dominate it.”
Reaction from the auto industry was muted, with only Ford Motor Co. issuing a statement praising the step. General Motors Co. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV deferred comment to their industry trade association, which said more needs to be done to increase consumer demand for electric vehicles. Newsom’s announcement had little impact on stocks of Detroit automakers.
The executive order gives automakers 15 years to make the shift. It doesn’t specify whether the passenger cars sold by that date would be powered by batteries or hydrogen fuel cells — only that they have zero emissions. Sales of used gasoline-powered cars would still be allowed. The order also directs California regulators to ensure that all new medium- and heavy-duty trucks are zero-emission by 2045. The state has already set a goal of eliminating all net emissions from its economy by the same year.