California Governor Bans Internal Combustion Engines, Effective 2035, To Combat Climate Change

Highlights

• Citing the urgency of climate change, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued Executive Order N-79-20 to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and "more quickly move toward our low-carbon, sustainable and resilient future."
• The Order sets 2035 for a 100 percent ban on the sale of internal combustion engines for passenger cars and pickup trucks within California, with later target dates for similar bans on medium- and heavy-duty trucks, and off-road vehicles and equipment.
• The Order next focuses on fossil fuel extraction and refining activities in the state, directing that no hydraulic fracturing permits be issued after 2024 and that state agencies "expedite regulatory processes to repurpose and transition upstream and downstream oil production facilities," and also "manage and expedite the responsible closure and remediation of former oil extraction sites."