The State of California confirmed a decision Thursday made by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) in 2020 to ban the sale of gasoline-powered cars in the state by 2035, a bold climate goal that will close businesses, cut jobs, and increase strain on the power grid.
By 2040, the state projects that nearly 32,000 auto mechanics jobs will be lost in California, since electric vehicles need far less maintenance and repair than conventional combustion engines.Throughout the economy, an estimated 64,700 jobs will be lost because of the mandate, according to the California Air Resources Board’s calculations.
Nevertheless, the state pressed ahead. The new rules do not completely eliminate gas cars: they allow that “20% of sales can be plug-in hybrids that run on batteries and gas,” the Associated PressLiberal states such as Massachusetts and Washington are expected to follow suit, and the auto industry has generally welcomed the shift. However, some warn that simply mandating electric cars may not be the answer.
“Whether or not these requirements are realistic or achievable is directly linked to external factors like inflation, charging and fuel infrastructure, supply chains, labor, critical mineral availability and pricing and the ongoing semiconductor shortage,” he said. “These are complex, intertwined and global issues well beyond the control of either the California Air Resources Board or the auto industry.