With climate change and pollution becoming increasing concerns, more and more states are looking to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars. As of October 2023, there are currently 5 states that have passed legislation to phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2035 or earlier. There are also 9 other states that are seriously considering similar bans in the near future.
States that Have Passed Gas and Diesel Car Bans
Here are the 5 states that have already passed legislation to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles:
- California – Ban sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035
- Washington – Ban sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2030
- Massachusetts – Ban sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035
- New York – Ban sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035
- Vermont – Ban sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035
California was the first state to pass such a law in 2020. Their ban will phase out sales of new gas-powered cars by 2035. Washington, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont have since passed similar bans that will take effect between 2030-2035.
Details on State Gas and Diesel Car Bans
Here are some more details on the gas and diesel vehicle bans in each state:
California
- Ban sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035
- Ban sale of new diesel-powered vehicles by 2035
- Requires 35% of new vehicles sold to be zero-emission by 2026
- Requires 68% of new vehicles sold to be zero-emission by 2030
Washington
- Ban sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2030
- Ban sale of new diesel-powered vehicles by 2030
- Requires all vehicles of major companies like Amazon to be electric by 2030
Massachusetts
- Ban sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035
- Ban sale of new diesel-powered vehicles by 2035
- Requires increasing percentage of new vehicle sales to be electric over time
New York
- Ban sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035
- Requires 35% of new vehicle sales to be electric by 2025
- Requires 68% of new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030
Vermont
- Ban sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035
- Ban sale of new diesel-powered vehicles by 2035
- Requires increasing percentage of new vehicle sales to be electric over time
These states want to aggressively move towards electric vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. The bans will phase out gas and diesel powered cars over the next 10-15 years.
States Considering Gas and Diesel Car Bans
In addition to the 5 states that have already passed legislation, there are 9 other states seriously considering bans on sales of new gas-powered vehicles in the coming years:
- Oregon – Considering ban on sales of new gas vehicles by 2035
- Washington D.C. – Considering ban on sales of new gas vehicles by 2035
- Hawaii – Considering ban on sales of new gas vehicles by 2035
- Minnesota – Considering ban on sales of new gas vehicles by 2035
- New Jersey – Considering ban on sales of new gas vehicles by 2035
- Connecticut – Considering ban on sales of new gas vehicles by 2035
- Rhode Island – Considering ban on sales of new gas vehicles by 2035
- North Carolina – Considering ban on sales of new gas vehicles by 2035
- Pennsylvania – Considering ban on sales of new gas vehicles by 2035
These states have active legislation or proposals to ban sales of new gas-powered cars by 2035 or earlier. The momentum seems to be growing to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles.
Details on States Considering Bans
Here are more details on the states considering bans on new gas vehicle sales:
Oregon
- Executive order sets goal of ban on new gas vehicle sales by 2035
- Legislation proposed to make it official law
Washington D.C.
- Climate commitment sets goal of ban on new gas vehicle sales by 2035
- Legislation proposed to make it official law
Hawaii
- Legislation proposed to ban new gas vehicle sales by 2035
Minnesota
- Executive order sets goal of ban on new gas vehicle sales by 2035
- Legislation proposed to make official law
New Jersey
- Legislation proposed to ban new gas vehicle sales by 2035
Connecticut
- Legislation proposed to ban new gas vehicle sales by 2035
Rhode Island
- Executive order sets goal of ban on new gas vehicle sales by 2035
- Legislation proposed to codify ban into law
North Carolina
- Governor issued executive order setting goal of ban on new gas vehicle sales by 2035
Pennsylvania
- Legislation proposed to ban new gas vehicle sales by 2035
While these states don’t have bans passed into law yet, the proposals and goals indicate likelihood of widespread bans over the next 10-15 years.
How Many Total States are Likely to Ban Gas Cars?
Based on the states that have already passed bans and the additional states seriously considering bans, here is a summary:
- 5 states have passed gas/diesel car bans to take effect by 2035
- 9 additional states are seriously considering passing bans by 2035
- Up to 14 states could ban new gas car sales by 2035 or earlier
This represents over 25% of all states banning the sale of new gas-powered vehicles in the next 10-15 years. The trend is expected to continue spreading to more states in the coming decade.
Projected Adoption of Gas Car Bans by State
Year | Number of States |
---|---|
2023 | 5 States |
2026 | 9 States |
2030 | 12 States |
2035 | 14+ States |
Based on current proposals and legislative momentum, gas car bans could spread to 9 states by 2026, 12 states by 2030, and 14 or more states by 2035.
Impacts of Widespread Gas and Diesel Car Bans
Widespread state bans on new gas-powered vehicle sales will have major impacts, including:
- Accelerate consumer adoption of electric vehicles
- Provide certainty to automakers to transition production to EVs
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector
- Improve air quality and public health
- Expand installation of EV charging infrastructure
- Increase demand on the electric grid
- Disrupt the oil industry as gasoline demand decreases
While there will be challenges like providing enough electricity and charging stations for EVs, the bans will help drive decarbonization of the auto industry and reduce pollution.
Effect on Auto Industry
The bans on gas-powered vehicle sales will force automakers to transition their production to electric vehicles. Major automakers like GM and Volvo have already announced plans to go all-electric in the next 10-15 years. The bans will accelerate this transition, likely making EVs over 50% of new car sales by 2030.
Growth in EV Sales
Year | Projected EV Sales |
---|---|
2023 | 10% |
2026 | 25% |
2030 | 50% |
2035 | 75%+ |
As bans come into effect, EV sales will rapidly increase, potentially reaching over 50% of new car sales by 2030 and 75% or more by 2035.
Decline of Gas Stations
The transition to electric vehicles will significantly reduce demand for gasoline. This will lead to many gas stations going out of business, especially in states with gas car bans. From 2020 to 2035, the number of gas stations in the U.S. could decline by 25% or more.
Challenges of Widespread Gas and Diesel Car Bans
While the gas-powered vehicle bans will have environmental and health benefits, there are some challenges:
- Loss of gas tax revenue that states rely on for infrastructure funding
- Ensuring adequate EV charging infrastructure
- Managing increased electricity demand on the power grid
- Maintaining affordability and access to transportation
- Economic impact on gas stations, mechanics, oil change shops etc.
- Loss of jobs related to gas vehicles and infrastructure
States will need to proactively plan for these transitions and disruptions to mitigate the challenges.
Replacing Gas Tax Revenue
States may need to implement alternative funding sources like usage-based fees on EVs to replace gas tax revenue as gasoline consumption decreases. In 2020, gas taxes made up over $30 billion in state revenue.
Transportation Access and Equity
Policies must ensure the transition to EVs doesn’t negatively impact lower-income individuals. Programs will be needed to subsidize purchase of used EVs and install charging stations in disadvantaged communities.
Workforce Retraining
As gas cars are phased out, mechanics, gas station workers and others will need retraining and support transitioning to new jobs.
Conclusion
Bans on sales of new gas-powered vehicles are gaining momentum and could expand to 14 or more states in the coming years. While the transition will be challenging, phasing out gas cars is necessary to meet climate goals and reduce air pollution. The bans will accelerate the inevitable shift to electric transportation while creating more livable cities. With smart policies to support an equitable transition, states can ensure the benefits outweigh the costs.