IN THE LAW

California’s Plan to Phase Out Gas-Powered Cars by 2035 By Gregory Sirico

ON AUGUST 25, 2022, the California State Legislature, in collaboration with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), voted to adopt the Advanced Clean Cars ll proposal into law. The regulation, which is only one part of the multilayered environmental proposal, aims to fully phase out the overall sale and usage of conventional gas-powered vehicles by 2035 while serving as a complex follow-up to last year’s ambitious zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) regulation.

California, home to the largest automotive market in the U.S., accounts for about 11% of the nation’s total new vehicle sales per year and, in many ways, has catalyzed the rise in popularity of the ZEV movement. In the first half of 2022, ZEVs were responsible for 16.5% of new car sales in the state, a sizeable jump up from 12.4% in 2021 that caught the attention of state lawmakers. Due to ongoing public demand for ZEVs, the regulation will also alter expectations for automotive manufacturers and dealerships by increasing the required ZEV sales they must deliver per year.

This figure will only continue to increase yearly beginning in 2026, starting at 35% and moving to 68% in 2030 and 100% in 2035. California’s new regulations around ZEVs are likely to have far-reaching effects, as other border states historically have followed the Golden State’s lead when mapping out emissions standards.

While announcing the regulations passed, CARB Chair Liane Randolph stated: “Once again, California is leading the nation and the world with a regulation that sets ambitious but achievable targets for ZEV sales. Rapidly accelerating the number of ZEVs on our roads and highways will deliver substantial emission and pollution reductions to all Californians, especially for those who live near roadways and suffer from persistent air pollution. The regulation includes ground-breaking strategies to bring ZEVs to more communities and is supported by the Governor’s ZEV budget, which provides incentives to make ZEVs available to the widest number of economic groups in California, including low- and moderateincome consumers.” The announcement of California’s regulatory changes joined with the state’s new ZEV Market

“This figure will only continue to Development Strategy, is expected to invest an increase yearly beginning in 2026, estimated $6 billion in funds to bolster ZEV awareness statewide over the next five years. This will make California the first legal jurisdiction in the starting at 35% and moving to 68% in 2030 and 100% in 2035.” country to independently build an environmental roadmap free from the Clean Air Act (CAA) and EPA enforcement. From here, CARB will submit the newly passed regulations to the California Office of Administrative Law (OAL) for final review and approval before seeking out a waiver from EPA, the final step required to guarantee the regulations meet federal and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). These new regulations were voted in only a couple of weeks after Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which will provide $370 billion in energy and climate investments for the next 10 years. Legal experts anticipate that upwards of 17 states, including Massachusetts and Virginia, could soon follow in California’s legislative footsteps and independently adopt emission-based regulations through their state-level processes.

Jacqueline Whisnant Judi Curtin Paula Swensen

2023 Family Law "Lawyer of The Year" Orange County 2022 Family Law "Lawyer of The Year" Orange County 2023 Collaborative Law: Family Law "Lawyer of The Year" Orange County

Phillips Whisnant Gazin Gorczyca & Curtin, LLP

Family Law Litigation, Mediation, Collaborative Law

We are proud to be one of the premier family law firms in Southern California. Phillips Whisnant Gazin Gorczyca & Curtin, LLP, with its 12 seasoned family law attorneys, is always evolving and growing to meet the everchanging facets of family law. The firm is based in Newport Beach and proudly serves clients throughout the greater Orange County area. As courtrooms reopened safely in 2022, PWGGC continued its 23-plus-year tradition of excellence by securing favorable resolutions for family law clients during major life events—from high-value divorce and pre- and post-marital agreements to child custody and division of complex marital estates. “We are equipped to handle any family law case in a live or virtual setting,” says managing partner Jacqueline A. Whisnant. “With more than 200 years of collective family law practice, our partners have represented some of the most affluent individuals in Southern California, including executives, entrepreneurs, professional athletes and celebrities. Our team approach is designed to meet every client’s needs throughout each step of the process, whether it’s litigation, mediation or collaborative.” PWGGC’s reputation transcends the courtroom, as well. Many of our lawyers have contributed to the legal community through membership and leadership positions with several legal organizations, including the Orange County Bar Association, the Judiciary Committee and Collaborative Divorce Solutions of Orange County. The firm’s lawyers are frequently published in legal and mainstream media and lead educational sessions for members of the bar and the public. “Recognition in peer-reviewed publications is especially meaningful, as it reflects the high regard in which we are held by professionals, including those on the other side of the aisle,” says founding partner Judi A. Curtin. U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” recognizes our commitment to the profession and rates PWGGC as a Tier 1 firm in Orange County in the areas of Family Law and Family Law Mediation for 2023. Our attorneys are also honored within the business and legal community. Eight lawyers are recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for their advocacy in family law. Furthermore, four partners have been named in the Southern California Edition of Best Lawyers® as “Lawyer of the Year” in Orange County: In 2023, Jacqueline A. Whisnant for Family Law and Paula J. Swensen for Collaborative Law; in 2022, Judi A. Curtin and in 2014, Gerald J. Phillips both for Family Law.

“‘Honor. Strength. Equity.’ are the words embossed on the wall in the entry to our office,” says retired founding partner Gerald J. Phillips. “That philosophy reflects our approach to the complex area of family law and our dedication to our clients—many of whom are enduring some of the most difficult periods in their personal and private lives. It is our privilege to diligently represent our clients during those challenging times.”