Delaware is gearing up to embrace a cleaner future. In April 2023, Secretary Shawn Garvin of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced a major shift: Delaware will mirror California’s regulations banning gas-powered vehicles.
This decision updates the state’s Low Emission Vehicle program, aligning it with Section 177 of the Clean Air Act. The move reflects Delaware's commitment to reducing pollution and advancing environmental standards, showcasing a bold step toward a greener automotive landscape.
Maine is eyeing a future free of gas-powered vehicles. In May 2023, a civilian petition pushed the legislature to consider the Advanced Clean Cars II standards.
Although a December rulemaking session was thwarted by a snowstorm, a March 2024 hearing revived the momentum. If Maine adopts these standards, it will implement California’s ban on gas-powered cars by 2028. This ambitious move reflects Maine’s dedication to curbing emissions and promoting sustainable transportation.
In March 2023, Maryland's Governor Wes Moore declared that the state would join the ranks of those banning gas-powered vehicles by 2035. Citing public health benefits, Moore highlighted that adopting the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations could save nearly $40 million each year by reducing productivity losses from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
This forward-thinking decision underscores Maryland's commitment to cleaner air and a healthier population, marking a significant step toward a greener future.
Massachusetts wasted no time in going green. As an early adopter of California's Advanced Clean Cars II legislation, the state has a trigger law that automatically aligns with California's emissions policies.
Since August 2022, Massachusetts has been on track to phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2035. This proactive approach underscores the state's commitment to reducing emissions and embracing sustainable transportation solutions, setting a clear path for a cleaner future.
Rhode Island joined the clean car movement in May 2023, becoming the eighth state to leverage Section 177 of the Clean Air Act to ban gas-powered vehicles. Governor Dan McKee emphasized that the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations are crucial for reducing smog and advancing environmental justice.
"The Act on Climate put us on the clock for meeting major carbon reduction mandates, and it's clear to me that Rhode Island will only meet the mandates by addressing the transportation sector head-on."
McKee stated, highlighting Rhode Island’s commitment to cleaner air and sustainable practices.
New Jersey is stepping up its environmental game. In March 2023, Governor Phil Murphy signed executive orders to fast-track a ban on gas-powered car sales by 2035, making New Jersey the sixth state to utilize Section 177 of the Clean Air Act for this purpose.
Murphy proudly announced this ambitious shift, moving the state's clean energy goal 15 years ahead of schedule, from 2050 to 2035. This bold move reflects New Jersey's dedication to accelerating the transition to a cleaner, greener future.
New York is charging ahead with its green agenda. In September 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul launched a legislative effort to ban gas-powered vehicles by 2035.
Her directive to officials was clear: all new cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in the state must be zero emissions by the 2035 deadline. The law, finalized in the summer of 2023, positions New York as a leader in the push for cleaner transportation and a more sustainable future.
In December 2022, Oregon’s Environmental Quality Commission cast a pivotal vote to phase out gas-powered vehicle sales by 2035. Following in the footsteps of California, Massachusetts, Washington, and New York, Oregon became the fifth state to embrace the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations.
This decision underscores Oregon's commitment to reducing emissions and advancing towards a cleaner, more sustainable automotive future.
Pennsylvania is on track to follow California's lead, with lawmakers set to adopt the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations.
Although specific details on how these regulations will be tailored for Pennsylvania are still under wraps, the move signals the state's commitment to aligning with stringent emissions standards and promoting a greener automotive future.
In November 2022, Vermont took a significant step toward cleaner transportation by approving new requirements mandating that all new cars sold in the state be zero-emission by 2030.
This ambitious policy reflects Vermont's commitment to reducing emissions and promoting environmental sustainability. Although Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas has not yet commented, the move underscores Vermont's proactive approach to achieving a greener automotive future.
