Various US states continue to follow in California's footsteps.
Maryland is the latest state to announce the adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II act, first adopted by California in August 2022.
Governor Wes Moore announced that manufacturers must increase the share of electric vehicles they sell in the state over the next few years until a 100% figure is reached in 2035. The ICE ban will be in effect for all passenger cars and light trucks. You'll have to travel out of state if you want a Ford F-150 with a V8 instead of a Lightning.
“Today, we’re talking about a major transformation that is going to define this administration-and that’s how we turn Maryland from a state powered by oil and gas to a state powered by clean energy,” said Governor Moore. “I am confident that the state of Maryland can and will lead the clean energy revolution.”
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) conducted an analysis stating that 383,000 fewer new gas-powered vehicles would be sold under the new regulations by 2030. By 2035, the reduction will be 1.68 million vehicles. The reduction will eventually lead to a massive decrease in harmful emissions, resulting in a net in-state health benefit of $39.9 million annually by 2040. This will be due to reduced respiratory and cardiovascular illness, meaning fewer people getting sick and staying home.
According to the Clean Cars II act, 35% of new cars must be 100% tailpipe emissions-free by 2026, increasing to 51% in 2028. By 2030, you're looking at 68%, and 100% by 2035.
“The Advanced Clean Cars II regulation is a big step toward cleaner air and a more aggressive response to the threats posed by climate change,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. “This rule will help position us to meet the goals of our Climate Solutions Now Act and 2030 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act Plan while bringing economic benefits to Marylanders.”
There are 17 states that follow California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards and are therefore bound by trigger laws. Still, not all of them have announced a changeover to California's ICE ban.
The states that have confirmed an ICE ban include California, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, and New Jersey. The latter made the announcement earlier this month.
The previously-mentioned trigger laws are also in place for Virginia thanks to a piece of legislation passed by Democrats in the early 2000s. Governor Glenn Youngkin has stated that he wants to overturn the law requiring the state to adopt the new guidelines. Since Wyoming wanted to ban EVs earlier this year, we're guessing it won't make this commitment soon.
The only remaining question is whether such laws will make provision for synthetic fuel, which Porsche will produce in the US from 2027.
Keyword: Maryland Becomes Latest State To Announce 2035 ICE Ban