California Air Resources Board chairman Mary Nichols recently revealed Governor Jerry Brown was considering banning vehicles with internal combustion engines and it appears at least one lawmaker will attempt to make it happen.
According to The Sacramento Bee, California State Assemblyman Phil Ting will introduce a bill which would ban the sale of new vehicles powered by gasoline and diesel engines after 2040. Little is known about the bill itself but it will reportedly be introduced in January when the Legislature returns to session.
In an interview with the publication, Ting said “The market is moving this way” and “at some point you need to set a goal and put a line in the sand.” He added California is used to being first but they’re catching up in particular field as several countries – including France and the United Kingdom – have already announced plans to phase out conventional engines.
California is the largest automotive market in the United States as residents buy over two million vehicles annually. However, zero-emissions vehicles only account for a tiny fraction of that number as they made up less than five percent of all vehicle sold during the first half of this year.
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