Nov 20, 2020
California and its clean car ambitions had a lot riding on the US presidential election.
The state's Air Resources Board spent the Trump presidency fighting with the US Environmental Protection Agency about its rollback of Obama-era tailpipe standards, which were set to increase average fuel economy of the US passenger vehicle fleet by 5% annually from 2021 to 2026. The Trump administration slashed these targets to a 1.5% annual increase.
Trump's EPA also moved to revoke California's long-held waiver to set tougher air quality standards than the national limits, and it is still battling that in courts.
The incoming Biden administration, however, means a smoother ride for California's clean car goals.
In September, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced an ambitious target to phase out new sales of gasoline-powered cars and passenger trucks by 2035. This zero-emission vehicle policy also set a 2045 goal for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
We have two interviews today on California's clean car ambitions:
* Jennifer McIsaac, lead analyst of emissions and clean energy for Platts Analytics' Future Energy Outlook Service, on the market, policy and logistical challenges ahead.
* John Boesel, president and CEO of CALSTART, a clean transportation nonprofit, about the results of a recent study showing that auto suppliers want policy makers to set strong standards in this area.
Stick around after both interviews for the Market Minute, a look at near-term oil market drivers.