Gov. Newsom Issues Executive Order to Phase-Out Internal Combustion Engines to Address Climate Change
In announcing the most aggressive clean vehicle policy in the nation and a move away from fossil fuels, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order this week to end the sale of new gas-powered cars and trucks in California by 2035 with the intent to tackle mobile transportation emissions. The governor said transportation emissions account for more than 50 percent of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.
During a press conference, Governor Newsom said, “In the next 15 years, we will eliminate in the State of California, the sale of internal combustion engines.”
He also said, “We are providing an abundance of new choices and new technology, being agnostic about how we get to zero emissions, but committed to getting to zero emissions by 2035.”
The executive order does not prevent the sale, purchase, or ownership of used gas-powered vehicles.
Ag Council President Emily Rooney said, “While we have supported the state’s climate goals in the past, this effort comes at the wrong time. In the midst of a devastating year on so many fronts, the executive order brings many challenges, including adding costs for residents and businesses, a lack of much needed infrastructure such as charging stations, and the necessary power generation and storage, just to name a few. Fifteen years to get all of this accomplished will come at considerable cost, and given the hurdles, the timeline is unrealistic.”
The order includes a provision to end the issuance of new hydraulic fracturing (fracking) permits by 2024, which must be approved by the California State Legislature. Fracking bans draw union opposition because of the impact on jobs and such legislative measures have stalled in the past.
How is Agriculture Impacted?
Of serious concern, the executive order not only covers passenger vehicle and truck regulations, it greatly impacts off-road agricultural equipment and medium and heavy-duty trucks vital to the movement of food. The feasibility of some of these actions is questionable under the timeline provided.
Off-Road Vehicles
Specifically, the order directs the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to set a 100 percent zero-emission target for off-road vehicles and equipment in California by 2035, which will significantly affect the agricultural equipment our members use in farming and food processing.
Medium & Heavy-Duty Trucks
The governor’s executive order also requires CARB to establish regulations mandating higher volumes of new zero-emission medium and heavy-duty trucks sold and operated in the state to move toward the objective of 100 percent of the fleet becoming zero-emission where feasible by 2045. In addition, CARB is directed to develop regulations requiring all drayage trucks to be zero-emission by 2035.
Passenger Vehicles & Trucks
Much attention is already being given to this portion of the executive order. It requires CARB to issue regulations to ensure all new vehicles sold in the state are zero-emission by 2035.
Ambitious Ag Emissions Reduction Efforts Already Underway
Ag Council’s members spend millions each year to reduce their climate footprint in incredibly innovative ways, many of which are far more advanced than our counterparts in the U.S., let alone the world.
California’s agricultural community is highly involved in slashing mobile and stationary source emissions and is an active partner with the state this effort, particularly in disadvantaged and low-income communities.
Climate-friendly activities range from mobile-source emissions reductions through engine replacements for tractors, trucks and ag equipment, to on-farm carbon sequestration, to dairy digesters and alternative manure management projects, as well as tremendous work to lower emissions as food is processed.
Ag Council’s members are proud of these improvements, which ultimately lead to cleaner air and healthier communities.
We are also pleased to collaborate with the state on many such efforts through existing programs. Unfortunately, the announcement this week was not rolled-out in the same unified manner as prior endeavors.
Given California agriculture is already engaged in achieving some of the most ambitious emissions reduction goals in the world, we look forward to discussing our ongoing efforts with the governor and his administration in this important space.
You can read the full executive order by clicking HERE.