Biden administration grants CA waiver to prohibit sales of gas cars by 2035

Joe Biden's administration recently gave the green-light to California's new rules that would set stricter-than-federal emission standards with the intent of banning gas car sales by 2035.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted two requests from California's Air Resources Board for waivers that should allow for the future implementation of two rules: the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations for light-duty vehicles and a low-nitrogen oxide regulation for heavy-duty highway and off-road vehicles and engines.

California is in a unique position when it comes to new environmental laws because of the 1970 Clean Air Act, which was written during historic smog conditions in the Los Angeles region.

The Golden State is allowed to write its own rules but must apply to the EPA for a waiver for each rule it wants to set.

The future of these particular rules is uncertain because Donald Trump has vowed to revoke any waivers granted.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan spoke about this unique situation:

"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," he said. "Today’s actions follow through on EPA’s commitment to partner with states to reduce emissions and act on the threat of climate change."

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said, "Clean cars are here to stay."

What do you think? Is America really heading toward a future where gasoline-powered cars are illegal?