DIAMOND BAR, Calif. — The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is blasting California Gov. Gavin Newsom's executive order requiring the California Air Resources Board to draft rules that would ban the sale of new vehicles with internal combustion engines by 2035.
"SEMA is deeply disappointed in Gov. Newsom's decision to escalate his ongoing feud with the Trump Administration at the expense of the consumer and California's small businesses," Daniel Ingber, SEMA vice president of government and legal affairs, said.
"SEMA will work with the industry and enthusiasts in opposing the Governor's proposal on all fronts."
Mr. Newsom issued the executive order Sept. 23, stating that the move will "move the state further away from its reliance on climate change-causing fossil fuels while retaining and creating jobs and spurring economic growth."
In comments made at the signing, Mr. Newsom said the transportation sector is responsible for more than half of California's carbon pollution, 80% of smog-forming pollution and 95% of toxic diesel emissions.
"This is the most impactful step our state can take to fight climate change," he said. "For too many decades, we have allowed cars to pollute the air that our children and families breathe. Californians shouldn't have to worry if our cars are giving our kids asthma."
Mr. Newsom stressed that internal-combustion vehicles will continue to be allowed in Califoria and can continue to be sold, on the used-vehicle market.
The order also includes a goal of moving all medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in the state to zero-emission status by 2045.
According to the California Energy Commission, zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) make up approximately 2% of the 28 million-plus vehicles in use in the Golden State. It is estimated that at least 8% of new vehicle sales in California will be ZEVs and plug-in hybrids by 2025.
California's ZEV program falls within the state's greenhouse gas rule that is being challenged in court by the Trump Administration.
The federal government is seeking to withdraw Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognition of the California rule under the Clean Air Act, because it effectively establishes fuel-economy standards, which the Trump Administration claimes are the sole jurisdiction of the federal government.