RICHMOND (Va.) — Virginia is on a path to adopting California’s strict rules for moving to zero emission vehicles. This was due in part to 2021 legislation, which required adopting West Coast emissions standards. Attorneys and officials stated this week.
The legislation to address climate change was an important priority for environmental activists and it passed during a period when Democrats controlled the government in Virginia. The legislation was opposed by the House Republicans who now hold that chamber and GOP Governor. Glenn Youngkin stated Friday that the Republicans would work to remove Virginia’s standards.
“House Republicans are pushing legislation in 2023 for Virginia to restore control over its auto emissions standards and vehicle market. “Virginia is not California and shouldn’t be,” House Speaker Todd Gilbert stated in a statement.
Youngkin stated that he is “already at work” to stop this absurd edict being forced upon Virginians .”
California regulators approved Thursday a plan that requires all new vehicles, trucks, and SUVs to use electricity or hydrogen. One-fifth of these cars can be used as plug-in hybrids. However, the policy does not ban gas-powered cars. Drivers can keep existing vehicles or purchase used cars.
The California Air Resources Board approved the most rigorous set of guidelines for electric vehicle transitions. This policy will create new infrastructure for charging and an energy grid that is more reliable. It’s likely to transform the U.S. automobile market.
Virginia has adopted some of California’s stricter tailpipe emissions standards than the federal ones. California is the most populous nation and has been able to establish its own standards for many decades thanks to a federal waiver.
Victoria LaCivita was a spokesperson for Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares. She stated that Virginia’s 2021 law had made it subject to California regulations. Miyares hopes that the General Assembly will repeal this.
Environmental lawyers also agree that Virginia, under the current law would need to be in line with California.
That’s a great thing said Walton Shepherd (Virginia policy director, Natural Resources Defense Council). The 2021 bill, which he called “clean cars”, was the single largest climate change action that Virginia had undertaken. According to federal data, Virginia’s transportation sector is the largest heat-trapping source of carbon dioxide.
” “It’s really great for consumers, relief from gas prices and cleaner air,” he stated of the new rules.
Trip Pollard is a Senior Attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center. He stated that automakers prefer sending electric cars to states which have adopted California standards. This means better choice for consumers who are looking for an EV.
Pollard stated that it was “unfortunate”, but that it wasn’t surprising that Republicans would want to repeal the law after they failed to do so earlier in the year.
” We will certainly be making it clear to both sides that Virginia should keep this as a policy,” he stated.
Democrats hold the state Senate with a single vote. The spokesperson for the caucus did not immediately respond to Friday’s request. He stated that all Democratic senators supported the bill in 2021..
