Virginia has announced its departure from the California electric vehicle mandate program by the year's end. Governor Glenn Youngkin emphasized that Virginians should not be dictated by “unelected leaders nearly 3,000 miles away from the Commonwealth,” referring to the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
The initial adoption of California's Advanced Clean Cars I regulation in 2021 by Virginia and other states saw a shift in automotive policy. However, with the impending enforcement of the stricter Advanced Clean Cars II regulation by CARB in January 2025, Virginia has chosen to sever ties with the program.
Governor Youngkin's office issued a statement affirming the state's decision to follow federal emissions standards from January 1, 2025. The new CARB regulation would have mandated that 35% of all new cars sold from 2026 be electric, escalating to a complete shift to electric vehicles by 2035.
Attorney General Jason Miyares underscored the legal implications of the state's withdrawal, stating, “Today, I've issued an official Attorney General Opinion that confirms that Virginians are no longer legally bound to follow the emission standards of California.” He criticized California's electric vehicle mandates as “unworkable and out of touch with reality,” emphasizing the importance of preserving consumer choice.
As the United States approaches a presidential election, the move by Virginia reflects a broader political stance, with Republicans traditionally advocating for state empowerment and consumer freedom. With electric vehicle sales accounting for only about 9% of total car sales in the state, adhering to the stricter ACC II regulations would likely have imposed significant penalties on manufacturers.
