Virginia Says California Is Wrong To Tell People What Cars They Can Buy

The State of Virginia will abandon Californian emissions rules at the end of this year, reports the Associated Press. Governor Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, announced the change, citing a recent attorney general opinion issued last week. Attorney General Jason Miyares said that Virginia is not required to adhere to the new mandates from the California Air Resources Board, which will come into play on January 1.

In a statement, Youngkin said Virginians should be able to buy the vehicle they need and noted that the government telling citizens what car they should buy is “fundamentally wrong.” California plans to phase out the sale of ICE-powered vehicles, with ever-increasing requirements coming in, encouraging consumers to purchase vehicles like the Tesla Model Y instead of inefficient gas-powered trucks and SUVs. By 2035, 100% of all new cars sold in the state will be electric. On January 1, 2024, 50% of vehicles purchased by state and local agencies must be zero-emission.

Not Everyone Is Happy With The Decision

“Once again, Virginia is declaring independence – this time from a misguided electric vehicle mandate imposed by unelected leaders nearly 3,000 miles away from the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Youngkin. Unsurprisingly, this decision has come under fire from environmental groups and other politicians. Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell said (via text message) that the “governor is breaking the law, and the AG is giving him cover.”

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The Southern Environmental Law Center, an environmental non-profit organization, is also against the decision. “The Clean Cars standards will help spur the transition to cleaner vehicles and bring significant health and environmental benefits to all Virginians, That is why the General Assembly adopted them,” said Trip Pollard, a senior attorney with the organization. Attorney General Miyares argues that California’s requirements are detached from reality.

Virginia Says No To California’s Regulations

“California does not control which cars Virginians buy, and any thoughts that automobile manufacturers should face millions of dollars in civil penalties rather than allowing our citizens to choose their own vehicles is completely absurd,” said Miyares. Resources Secretary Travis A. Voyles confirmed that Virginia will revert to federal standards at the end of 2024.

Related

25 States Sue The EPA Over New Tailpipe Emissions Regulations

The states believe the regulation is beyond the EPA’s power.

The Old Dominion first adopted the Clean Cars law in 2021. At the time, however, the state government was under Democratic control. If Virginia were to retain California’s emissions laws, manufacturers would be required to sell a certain number of battery-electric and hybrid vehicles. In addition to California, the states of New Jersey and New York will also ban the sale of gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035.

Source:
Associated Press