As California’s landmark Advanced Clean Cars II program drives forward with aggressive electric vehicle sales targets, a widening gap is emerging between the Golden State and other regions that pledged to follow its lead. The challenge isn’t California’s tough air pollution rules, but rather the reality that many states adopting these standards are nowhere near ready to keep pace.
California’s Ambitious Clean Cars Plan
California has long set its own vehicle emissions rules, a unique authority granted by the EPA due to its severe air quality problems and advanced charging infrastructure. The Advanced Clean Cars II initiative, now adopted by 11 other states and Washington, D.C., requires automakers to hit rapidly rising sales targets for electric vehicles—starting with 35% of all new cars sold by the 2026 model year.
Automakers and state officials alike recognize these goals as formidable. In a letter published by John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the challenge is clear: California’s model is simply not a fit for states lacking the necessary infrastructure, market readiness, or consumer demand for widespread EV adoption.
States Struggle to Meet Electric Vehicle Mandates
The real sticking point lies outside California’s borders. While the state itself struggles to meet its own ambitious targets, many of the “California states” are even further behind, facing shortfalls in charging networks, consumer incentives, and dealership preparedness. The consequence is a mounting struggle to reach the first major milestone: a 35% EV sales share in less than two years.
- Many states lack public charging stations and reliable EV infrastructure.
- Consumers face higher vehicle prices and fewer available models as automakers work to comply.
- Governors and lawmakers must answer to voters frustrated by these sudden changes and costs.
Why the “Wormhole” of Regulation Isn’t Working Everywhere
Automakers have described the multi-state adoption of California’s rules as “an unaccountable, unachievable regulatory wormhole.” The criticism is not directed at California’s unique efforts, but at the blanket application of these standards to regions that do not share its geographic, economic, or infrastructure strengths.
“In other words, California Air Resources Board: You do you. That’s fine (until it isn’t). Just don’t expect governors who aren’t quite as ready—and who will have to explain higher auto prices and less vehicle choices to voters—to follow California’s path forever.”
– John Bozzella, CEO, Alliance for Automotive Innovation
Congress and the EPA Step In
Congress recently moved to revoke the EPA’s waiver that allowed the California rules to apply elsewhere, aiming to restore what it describes as balance to emissions regulations. Supporters insist this action doesn’t undermine California’s authority over its own air quality—but it does challenge the wisdom of forcing states to meet mandates that don’t reflect their market realities.
The Road Ahead: What Comes Next?
California remains at the forefront of clean car innovation, but the experiment of exporting its rules nationwide has exposed serious cracks. States will need to address gaps in readiness, affordability, and infrastructure if they hope to catch up—and automakers are watching closely as the debate over “one size fits all” regulation intensifies.
In the end, the drive for cleaner air is a shared national priority, but California’s path is not a shortcut every state can—or should—follow.
