Massachusetts to Ban Sale of New Gas-Powered Vehicles by 2035

In an effort to attain web zero greenhouse fuel emissions, Massachusetts final week introduced a mandate that each one new automobiles bought within the state should be electrical by 2035.

The Commonwealth joins California in prohibiting new fuel and diesel automobile gross sales—turning into solely the second state to implement such sanctions. More than 30 international locations and cities throughout the globe have proposed banning the sale of fossil fuel-powered autos in hopes of decreasing well being dangers, assembly greenhouse fuel targets, and growing power independence.

“The people of Massachusetts are experiencing record droughts, increased risk of wildfire, severe weather, and flooding in our coastal communities,” in response to Gov. Charlie Baker. “The costly impacts of climate change are on display in the Commonwealth, making it critical that we take action.”

Other modifications, as reported by the Boston Globe embody changing properties’ fuel and oil furnaces and boilers with electrified heating methods, decreasing commuters’ driving miles by 15 p.c, and elevated offshore wind energy technology.

“Our ambitious net zero target offers us a great opportunity to build a healthier, more resilient Commonwealth, delivering significant benefits to our communities including clean, reliable energy, improved air quality, and new pathways for job creation and economic growth,” Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito mentioned in a press release.

After a decade of help for renewable power, Massachusetts’ emissions lastly fell to greater than 20 p.c beneath 1990 ranges final yr—probably helped alongside by COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home orders. But, because the Globe identified, to achieve Baker’s lofty objective, the state should take much more dramatic measures—together with controlling the frequency and miles folks drive, the varieties of automobiles they purchase, and the way they energy and warmth their properties and places of work.

“At a time when the nation and the world are grappling with a global pandemic, we are reminded that climate change presents a still greater long-term threat, and one for which there will be no vaccine,” Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Kathleen Theoharides mentioned. “Achieving Net Zero by 2050 will require deep change and out-of-the-box thinking, and this report underscores the importance of local and regional partnerships to build stronger, more resilient communities, nation-leading clean energy jobs, and a vibrant economy.”