Can you imagine a future where the quiet hum of electric vehicles replaces the familiar rumble of gasoline engines? That future isn’t as far off as it might seem. In an effort to fight climate change and cut down on air pollution, many states are now taking serious steps to phase out the sale of new gas cars. Here are the states leading the charge:
California
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As always, California leads the fight against climate change. In 2023, it adopted an Advanced Clean Cars II rule aimed at banning new gas cars by 2035. Locked into state policy, charging stations started popping up everywhere, and the state's zero-emissions mandate is forcing real change.
Delaware
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Delaware made its position clear when it chose to follow California’s lead—but it also gave the plan its own twist. Instead of waiting until 2035, the state aims for 80% of new cars sold by 2032 to be electric or hybrids. That means automakers will need to supply EVs statewide, and the pressure is on to build out a reliable, accessible charging network.
Washington
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Leave it to Washington to aim higher—and earlier. The state passed a law in 2022 that sets the clock to 2030, five years ahead of most others. Dubbed “Clean Cars 2030,” the initiative is part of a broader climate strategy that includes boosting public transit, improving the electric grid, and investing heavily in charging stations. This is a statewide overhaul.
Massachusetts
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It's not surprising that Massachusetts is among the states seeking to keep its environment free of gas emissions. It’s a state known for education and innovation—its energy policies are no different. There are already EV incentives in place and charging projects underway, with clear milestones set for 2025 and 2030.
New York
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The clock's ticking for gas-powered cars in New York. Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law committing the state to zero-emission new car sales. The early goal is that 35% of new vehicles sold within the first two years should be electric. It’s an active shift happening on dealership lots across the state.
Oregon
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With 2035 as the deadline, Oregon quietly made the major move to adopt California’s 2035 ban in December 2022. The state’s been preparing for this moment—more than 50,000 EVs are already registered there. The focus is now on slashing transportation emissions, the state's top pollution source.
New Jersey
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New Jersey took a page from California’s book via Section 177 of the Clean Air Act. But the Garden State set its own pace, targeting 43% of new light-duty vehicle registrations to be electric by 2027. As of early 2024, it had already crossed 12%, with over 120,000 electric vehicles on the road. The foundation’s in place; now it's a matter of scaling.
Maryland
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In March 2023, Maryland joined the push with a clear reason: public health. Governor Wes Moore backed the gas car phaseout, aiming for 300,000 electric vehicles by 2035. The move could cut millions in healthcare costs linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases caused by air pollution.
Rhode Island
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Though the state itself may be small, Rhode Island's goals are big. The state committed to banning new gas-powered cars by 2035 and backed the move with funding for public charging and renewable energy. Officials have been blunt: transportation is Rhode Island’s biggest polluter, and fixing that means starting with what people drive every day.
Vermont
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In Vermont, the shift to electric is a reflection of the state’s broader environmental values. The 2035 target is in place, but the plan is already underway, with 35% of new cars expected to be zero-emission by 2026.
Colorado
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Although Colorado didn’t pursue an outright ban, it nonetheless set its sights high. By 2032, 82% of new car sales must be electric. Passed in October 2023, the state’s “Clean Cars Standard” allows room for hybrids but signals a strong push toward electrification. Colorado sweetens the deal with tax breaks, nudging drivers to make the switch at their own pace.
New Mexico
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While most states adopted California's Advanced Clean Cars II rule, New Mexico added another: the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule. While there’s no outright ban on gas cars, the focus is clear: cut pollution and improve air quality. The state’s not banning ownership, but it is steering manufacturers and buyers toward cleaner alternatives in the years ahead.
District of Columbia
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D.C. made its stance clear with a 2035 cutoff for new gas vehicle sales. Leaders framed the policy as essential to hitting climate goals and improving air quality in the metro area. Fleet electrification is already underway, and the city plans to blanket neighborhoods with charging stations. For commuters and residents, the gas pump countdown has begun.
Connecticut
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Connecticut planned to follow California’s lead with a 2035 ban on new gas-powered car sales, but the proposal was pulled in late 2023. Governor Ned Lamont cited concerns over affordability, charging access, and grid stability. The move faced bipartisan pushback, stalling the plan. Lawmakers now aim to craft a more flexible path toward lower emissions, without a strict gas car ban locking in the timeline.
Hawaii
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Hawaii is making bold moves toward a gas-free future. While not officially banning gas car sales yet, the state plans 100% zero-emission public ground transport by 2035 and full clean transportation by 2045. Rebates for EV chargers, mandates for EV-ready buildings, and a surge in EV adoption, second only to California per capita, are powering Hawaii’s quiet revolution on the road to cleaner mobility.