California is planning to phase out new sales of gas-powered cars by 2035, as the state hopes to slash their carbon emissions.
Currently, transportation in the state of California accounts for 50% of the state's greenhouse gas emissions. Phasing out gas-powered cars should help to decrease this figure and consequently help to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The plan outlines that 35% of new cars sold should be battery or hydrogen powered by the year 2035. It also states that smog-forming emissions from new internal combustion engines should be reduced. New warranty and durability requirements, alongside other measures, will help to make sure consumers can successfully replace their internal combustion engine vehicles within their households.
Reducing these emissions will help lead to greater reductions in ozone, as the pollutants which cause the damage will be reduced. These pollutants come from fuel combustion, primarily oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons. As a result, this should help to reduce the risk of droughts and wildfires in the long term, which will also help to improve air quality.
The state of New York in the United States also set out new targets and laws regarding greenhouse gases and cars on the road, setting a clear timeline for new legislation to be brought into place.