Public support for California Governor Gavin Newsom's executive order mandating that all new passenger cars and light trucks sold in the state be zero-emission by 2035 has significantly declined, according to a recent survey by the Public Policy Institute of California. The poll indicates that nearly two-thirds of state residents now oppose the mandate.
The opposition spans across all regions of California and political affiliations, including Democrats, Republicans, and independents. Residents express a desire for personal choice and affordability, resisting what they perceive as government overreach from Sacramento.
Californians appear to support climate initiatives when the costs are abstract or borne by corporations. However, when the financial implications directly affect their own households, their enthusiasm for stringent environmental regulations appears to wane. The survey found that while large majorities believe climate laws are generally beneficial, a vast majority also feel they are paying too much for energy.
Concerns about the rising cost of living in California are linked to the state's climate regulations. Critics argue that every climate regulation, tax, or fee is passed on to consumers, increasing the price of essential goods and services that rely on energy for production, transportation, and delivery. These regulations are also criticized for allegedly benefiting political donors through "green pork" initiatives while having minimal impact on global temperatures.
Furthermore, the state's history of electricity shortages and utility-driven power shutoffs raises questions about the reliability of a fully electric vehicle fleet. Residents are reportedly hesitant to commit to vehicles that could become inoperable if the power grid fails.
The 2020 executive order establishing the EV mandate was enacted by fiat, with the unelected California Air Resources Board (CARB) developing the subsequent regulations. Neither voters nor state legislators had a direct say in this policy shift, which a CARB board member described as "monumental." Critics have labeled the process as an "arrogant overreach" and a dictatorial decision by elites.
The argument is made that if electric vehicles were the superior choice, consumers would adopt them voluntarily. While some Californians have already purchased EVs, and others intend to, many cannot afford them, lack charging infrastructure, are concerned about range limitations, or simply do not desire them. The mandate, therefore, is seen as having collided with practical realities, with calls for its abandonment.