Depending on which state you live in, a gas car ban may be coming in the next few years. Washington State is launching its clean energy future initiative that bans gas vehicles by 2030. It’s the earliest deadline in the United States.

Washington State’s Gas Car Ban

The state’s Clean Cars 2030 legislation sets a goal of requiring all light-duty vehicles to be electric. The passed bill states that any passenger vehicle manufactured in 2030 and later must be powered by electricity. It’s part of larger legislation that’s aimed at preparing the utility companies for the electric transportation.

Washington is the first to pass a legislative gas car ban instead of state government issuing an executive order. California and Massachusetts aren’t far behind. Both U.S. states have passed legislation banning gas-powered vehicles by 2035.

Washington’s legislation on gas cars has passed both the house and senate with noticeable favorability. The next step is for Washington State Governor Jay Inslee to sign it into law. The bill specifically prohibits the sale, purchase, and registration of any gas-powered vehicle in the state that was manufactured in 2030 or later. It includes any vehicles bought elsewhere and transported to the state.

The bill is more of a set of goals the state wants to meet instead of a legal requirement. Changes to the bill are expected as the state starts implementation.

EV Road Usage vs VMT Fees

Electric vehicles (EV), road usage, and vehicle miles traveled (VTM) fees are included in Washington State’s ban on gas cars, but there is a stipulation. The ban on gas doesn’t go into effect until 75% of on-road vehicles are covered by the fees.

The road usage fees are designed to replace the revenue generated from the current gas tax. EV drivers would pay a similar fee for road usage based on the number of miles driven. The fee goes towards road maintenance and repairs.

These fees are important, as states worry about gas tax revenue. More drivers are switching to electric vehicles, and the gas industry is also fighting back. Erroneous statements from gas proponents are forcing states to look at the feasibility of banning gas cars. The fossil fuel industry reminds states that the gas tax is responsible for keeping roads drivable.

The problem is the failing infrastructure. Roads across the country are cracked and filled with potholes, and part of the reason is the low gas tax. The fossil fuel industry pays a low road maintenance tax and doesn’t want to see an increase.

States that rely on gas tax revenue for road project funding don’t need to address the issue of road fees for electric vehicles yet, but it is a topic that will be discussed in the coming years across the United States.

Lawmakers in Washington, and other states, are already discussing how adding a weight multiplier to the proposed road usage tax will better fund infrastructure.

Washington is Ahead of California

California is the recognized leader in passing laws that protect the environment, but Washington state is now five years ahead with its 2030 ban on gas-powered vehicles. California is still the leader in EV sales, and the majority of electric car companies have their headquarters in the state. It will be interesting to see if California decides to speed up its ban on gas-powered cars and what other states will do.

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