Reading Time: 11 minutes 12 States Trying To Ban New Gas Powered Cars (Even Though People Still Want Them)
This post may contain affiliate links. Read the disclosure.
Imagine a future where the hum of electric motors replaces the roar of gas engines on our roads. That future is starting to take shape as several states move ahead with rules that would phase out the sale of new gas-powered cars over the next decade.
The shift to electric vehicles is still gaining momentum, driven by concerns about climate change and air pollution. At the same time, the national debate has changed under President Trump’s “Unleashing American Energy” order, which revoked prior federal clean-car policies and put the focus back on consumer choice and domestic energy production.
But what does this mean for you? In this article, we’ll break down the changes happening state by state, giving you a clear picture of when and how these new rules could roll out. We’ll also tackle some common worries about electric cars.
By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of the road ahead for America’s automotive landscape.
Table of Contents
Concerns with Electric Vehicles
The move to electric cars brings excitement but also raises questions. People worry about charging availability, driving range, and high costs. Grid capacity and battery production impacts are also concerns.
Consumer Reports recently found that electric vehicles have nearly 80% more problems than gas-powered ones. EV owners most frequently reported issues with batteries, charging systems, and build quality. These issues could affect consumer confidence.
As we look at each state’s plans, we’ll see how they’re working to solve these issues and make the switch to electric cars smoother for everyone.
20 Real Reasons Why People Still Avoid Buying Electric Cars
California
California is leading the charge in the transition to electric vehicles. In August 2022, the state adopted a rule that will phase out the sale of new gas-powered cars and light trucks by 2035. The move is aimed at cutting emissions from one of the state’s biggest sources of air pollution.
The rule, known as Advanced Clean Cars II, sets clear targets for automakers and dealers. By 2026, 35% of new cars and light trucks sold in California must be zero-emission, rising to 68% by 2030 and 100% by 2035.
In December 2024, the EPA granted California a waiver to implement the rule.
California’s move has helped shape similar policies in other states. That ripple effect could speed up the shift toward electric vehicles across parts of the country, even as the national debate over car rules continues.
Is California its Own Country? 31 Unique Traits About The 31st State.
We’ve turned our best tips into quick-read books, and we’re publishing new ones every week. See the full collection here: amazon.com/author/chachingqueen.
Delaware
Delaware joined the electric vehicle movement in April 2023. After a public hearing, the state finalized regulations to adopt California’s gas-powered vehicle ban.
The plan starts small, requiring a modest number of EVs in 2027. It then ramps up, aiming for 80% of new car sales to be electric or hybrid models by 2032. This gradual approach gives both car dealers and buyers time to adjust.
After 2032, Delaware officials will take a close look at how well the initiative is working. They’ll use this information to decide if they need to extend or modify the plan.
This flexible strategy shows Delaware’s commitment to reducing emissions while considering the needs of its residents.
How to Get a Free Car: Everything You Need to Know
Washington
Washington wasted no time in embracing the electric future. The state adopted the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations right after California passed its initial legislation in August 2022.
Under the new policy, car dealerships will only be able to sell new electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles after 2035.
Washington’s swift action demonstrates its dedication to combating climate change and improving air quality for its residents.
🙋♀️If you like what you are reading, then click like and subscribe to my newsletter. We share tips to waste less time and money.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts was among the first states to jump on board with California’s Advanced Clean Cars II legislation. The state has a trigger law that automatically adopts any emissions policy enacted by California.
While Massachusetts hasn’t completely banned gas-powered vehicles, it has set an ambitious goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
This initiative kicked off with the 2022 Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan. The plan sets clear targets: 300,000 electric cars registered by 2025, and 900,000 by 2030.
By setting these specific milestones, Massachusetts is creating a roadmap for a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future.
20 Traditions That America Has Lost To “Progress”
New York
New York became the fourth state to mobilize towards banning the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. The law passed in the summer of 2023, with Governor Kathy Hochul taking a strong stance on the issue.
She announced that all new passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs sold in New York State must be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. The state’s plan takes a step-by-step approach.
It aims for 35% of vehicle sales to be zero-emission in the next two years. This percentage will steadily increase until it reaches 100% in 2035.
New York’s aggressive timeline reflects its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in one of the nation’s most populous states.
How To Reduce Car Expenses: Make Your Car Last Longer
Oregon
Oregon stepped up as the fifth state to enact the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations. In December 2022, Oregon’s Environmental Quality Commission voted to phase out the sale of gas-powered vehicles within the state by 2035.
This decision aligns with Oregon’s long-standing commitment to environmental protection. The state already boasts over 50,000 registered electric vehicles and aims to more than quadruple that number to at least 250,000 in the coming year.
Oregon’s ambitious targets reflect its recognition of the urgent need to address climate change and reduce transportation-related emissions.
How To Save On Car Insurance: 13 Ways To Lower Car Insurance Premiums
New Jersey
New Jersey became the sixth state to use Section 177 of the Clean Air Act to ban gas-powered car sales by 2035. The state has set clear milestones on its path to full electrification.
By 2027, New Jersey aims to have 43% of new light-duty vehicles registered as electric. This percentage will steadily climb until it reaches 100% by 2035.
Currently, electric vehicles account for 12% of new vehicle sales in the state, with 123,000 EV drivers on New Jersey roads.
These numbers show that New Jersey is making significant progress in its transition to cleaner transportation.
People Are Also Reading: Are You In The Lower Middle Class? 28 Signs Someone Is Lower Middle Class
Maryland
Maryland joined the electric vehicle movement in March 2023, becoming the seventh state to ban gas-powered cars. Governor Wes Moore announced the adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations, citing public health as a key motivator.
The state has set an ambitious goal of registering at least 300,000 electric cars by 2035, a significant increase from the current 81,000.
Moore highlighted the potential health benefits of this transition, stating that it could save the state nearly $40 million annually in lost productivity due to respiratory and cardiovascular illness.
This approach emphasizes the broader benefits of transitioning to electric vehicles beyond just environmental concerns.
Is an Extended Car Warranty Worth It?
Rhode Island
In May 2023, Rhode Island became the eighth state to use Section 177 of the Clean Air Act to ban gas-powered vehicles. The state put the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations into effect, setting a clear timeline for the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
According to this regulation, all new cars sold in Rhode Island must be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. This includes fully electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles.
Rhode Island’s plan starts with a goal of 35% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2026, gradually increasing to 100% by 2035.
This phased approach allows time for infrastructure development and consumer adaptation, making the transition smoother for Rhode Island residents.
What to Expect When Taking a Car Title Loan
Vermont
Vermont took decisive action in November 2022 when lawmakers approved changes to clean-car requirements. The new regulations mandate that all new cars sold in the state must be zero-emission vehicles by 2030.
Vermont’s plan starts in 2026, requiring 35% of all cars purchased to be electric. This percentage will steadily increase, reaching 100% by 2030.
By setting an earlier
This aggressive timeline puts Vermont at the forefront of the transition to electric vehicles in the United States.
Are You Upper Middle Class? 20 Signs Someone Is Upper Middle Class
Virginia
Virginia’s situation is more complicated. The state adopted a clean-car law in 2021 tied to California’s vehicle emissions standards, but the policy has faced ongoing political and legal fights. Republican efforts to repeal it have failed in the legislature, while Governor Glenn Youngkin has pushed to pull Virginia away from California’s rules.
Supporters say the standards would help cut pollution and expand cleaner vehicle options over time. Opponents argue that electric vehicles are still too expensive or impractical for many households, especially in rural parts of the state, and say Virginians should have more freedom to choose what they drive.
Virginia shows how divided the issue has become. Even in states that adopted clean-car rules, the debate is no longer just about emissions. It is also about cost, consumer choice, and how much influence California’s policies should have elsewhere.
🙋♀️If you like what you are reading, then click like and subscribe to my newsletter. We share tips to waste less time and money.
Connecticut
Connecticut considered joining other states in adopting stricter clean-car standards that would have increased zero-emission vehicle sales through 2035. But the plan ran into strong political opposition and was never finalized.
State officials had proposed adopting California-style Advanced Clean Cars II standards, which would have applied to new vehicle sales, not used cars or gas-powered vehicles already on the road. But after debate and pushback, the proposed rules were not adopted.
Connecticut’s experience shows how difficult it can be for states to push through major transportation changes, even when similar policies are already moving ahead elsewhere.
22 Ways Childhood Was More Free in the 1960s
Maine, Pennsylvania, New Mexico
These states are taking very different paths. While some have moved ahead with California-style clean-car rules, others are still debating how far to go or sticking with more limited emissions standards.
In Maine, officials spent the past few years reviewing Advanced Clean Cars II, but the state’s current reporting says Maine’s earlier clean-car program ended after model year 2025 and the state reverted to federal standards for light-duty vehicles in 2026.
Pennsylvania follows parts of California’s low-emission vehicle program, but the state says its Clean Vehicles Program does not include California’s Zero Emission Vehicle requirements. That means Pennsylvania should not be described as having agreed to adopt ACC II in the same way as states that have fully adopted those rules.
New Mexico has moved much further. State regulators adopted Advanced Clean Cars II in November 2023, with the rule taking effect on December 31, 2023. Starting in 2026, a growing share of new passenger cars and light trucks delivered to New Mexico dealerships must be zero-emission vehicles.
Together, these states show that the shift toward electric vehicles is still moving forward, but not every state is following the same timeline or the same rulebook.
Discover Your Local Free Car Seat Program Near Me: A Guide For Parents
Can I Still Buy a Used Gas-Powered Car?
The new regulations do not force anyone to stop driving their current vehicle. You can keep your gas-powered car, and the rules also do not prevent people from buying used gas-powered vehicles.
These policies mainly focus on future new car sales, not the gas-powered vehicles already on the road. That means current owners are not being required to give up the cars they already have.
Gas-powered vehicles are also not disappearing overnight. There will likely still be a strong market for them in many parts of the country, especially in the used vehicle market and in states that are not following California-style rules.
So even as electric vehicle sales increase, drivers will still have choices when it comes to owning and buying gas-powered cars.
How to Get a Free Car: Everything You Need to Know
The Road Ahead
The shift to electric vehicles in the United States is still moving forward, with several states pushing ahead with rules that would phase out the sale of new gas-powered cars in the years ahead. These efforts are aimed at cutting emissions and reducing air pollution, even as the national debate over energy and vehicle policy has grown more divided.
Remember, these changes mainly affect new car sales. You can still keep your current gas-powered vehicle, and used gas cars are still allowed. The key is to stay informed as state rules continue to change and the federal approach shifts in a different direction.
One thing is clear: the future of driving in America is electric. As we move forward, we’ll all play a part in shaping this revolution on our roads.
We’ve turned our best tips into quick-read books, and we’re publishing new ones every week. See the full collection here: amazon.com/author/chachingqueen
🙋♀️If you like what you just read, then subscribe to my newsletter and follow us on YouTube.👈
- 30 Activities to Avoid After 75: Embrace The Golden Years
- Discover 11 Secrets to Booking Last-Minute Flight Deals
- 14 Jobs That Pay Decently, But Most People Think They Are Too Good For
- 12 Top Tips to Save Money Buying on eBay (Some Are Sneaky)
- Side Hustle Guide For Beginners: How To Earn Money On The Side (With Video)
