US EPA chief challenges California effort to mandate zero emission vehicles

The head of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday questioned California Governor Gavin Newsom's plan to require all new passenger vehicle sales in 2035 be zero-emission models, according to a letter seen by Reuters.

Representational photo of electric vehicles charging
Representational photo of electric vehicles charging

EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said the plan "raises serious questions regarding its legality and practicality" and said it could cause problems for the state's electrical grid.

Also Read : Electrifying California cars could crush the grid, or save it

He also declared the move could be subject to federal approval, saying it "may require California to request a waiver to US EPA."

The EPA in 2019 issued rules barring California from requiring the sale of electric vehicles; a court challenge is pending.

Also check these Bikes

Find more Bikes
Okaya Ev Freedum (HT Auto photo)
₹74,900**Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Pure Ev Epluto (HT Auto photo)
₹71,999**Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Okaya Ev Classiq (HT Auto photo)
₹74,500**Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Okaya Ev Faast (HT Auto photo)
₹ 99,999 - 1.14 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Pure Ev Etrance Neo (HT Auto photo)
₹78,999**Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Pure Ev Epluto 7g (HT Auto photo)
₹83,999**Ex-showroom price
Add to compare

Wheeler's exchange with Democratic-led California comes as Republican President Donald Trump seeks to win votes in Midwestern auto manufacturing states in the Nov. 3 presidential contest.

California's 2035 clean car move, the most significant yet by a U.S. state aimed at ending the use of gasoline-burning internal combustion engines, clashes with Trump's pro-fossil fuel policies.

California accounts for about 11% of all US vehicle sales, and many states adopt its green vehicle mandates.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) must write binding regulations to implement the 2035 goal.

Newsom did not immediately comment.

In the letter, Wheeler held up the state's recent rolling blackouts as evidence that its power grid could not support the ambitious plan, which would require millions more cars to run on electricity.

"California’s record of rolling blackouts – unprecedented in size and scope – coupled with recent requests to neighboring states for power begs the question of how you expect to run an electric car fleet that will come with significant increases in electricity demand, when you can’t even keep the lights on today," Wheeler wrote.

California on two days last month imposed rolling blackouts on about 400,000 customers during an oppressive heat wave.

The state’s grid operator blamed outages on a gas plant suddenly dropping offline, low wind power and a lack of imported electricity from other states due to scorching temperatures across the West.

First Published Date: 29 Sep 2020, 07:31 AM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS
Shopping Bag Shop Now
70% OFF
VENO Portable High Power 2 in 1 Car Vacuum Cleaner | USB Rechargeable Wireless Handheld Car Vacuum Cleaner Traveling, Camping Reusable and Sustainable (2 in 1 Vacuum Cleaner)
Rs. 899 Rs. 2,999
1% OFF
Godrej aer O – Hanging Car Air Freshener | Car Accessories | Cool Aqua (7.5g)
Rs. 98 Rs. 99
68% OFF
PUNZONE Car Body Scratch Remover - Scratch Repair Polishing Wax Kit Sponge Body Compound Cream Wax, Car Body Compound Scratch Remover
Rs. 289 Rs. 898
65% OFF
Ambrane 38W Fast Car Charger with Dual Output, Quick Charge 3.0 and Power Delivery, Type-C & USB Port, Wide Compatibility for Smart Phones (RAAP C38 A, Black)
Rs. 349 Rs. 999

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers on

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Choose city
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy

Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.