Future of Gas-Powered Engines in the US

Are Gas-Powered Engines Being Banned in the US?

Most people agree planet Earth must be protected, not polluted. However, they disagree on how to achieve climate change goals. Recent moves by the EPA have caused many to wonder if officials are de facto banning gas-powered engines in the United States.

Citizens fear what the new rules will mean for their transportation choices. Cars aren’t the only manufactured instruments with gas-powered engines, and new lines and guidelines affect those types, as well. Additionally, some states can, and do, enact stricter legislation than the federal government. Here’s what consumers should know before making a purchase.

The Future of Gas-Powered Automobiles

An eventual move to alternative fuel fleets is inevitable to protect life on Earth. Transportation is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and anyone who has ever jogged down a busy thoroughfare knows how noxious tailpipe smoke can be. Many scientists already question whether the world can achieve the goals established by the Paris Agreement and have issued dire warnings about the consequences of failing to do so.

However, electric vehicles are not the only alternative to fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Many critics of the new EPA guidelines announced in March — such as National Corn Growers Association President Harold Wolle — point out that the new rule could disincentivize research into other possible climate solutions, such as biofuels. Others — such as Consumer Energy Alliance President and CEO David Holt — cite concerns that the rule could unduly cost-burden middle-class car buyers.

Does the New EPA Rule Ban Gas-Powered Automobiles?

Despite the controversy, the new EPA rule does not directly ban the sale or creation of gas-powered vehicles. It does, however, enact strict tailpipe emissions for vehicle manufacturers. Starting in 2027, automakers must report the average emissions associated with all types of vehicles they sell — traditional fuel, plug-in hybrids, traditional hybrids, and fully electric models.

These limits begin modestly but will become more strict by 2030. Car manufacturers who fail to comply can face billions of dollars in fines. One model shows automakers would have to ensure 56% of their light-duty car sales are battery-powered with an additional 13% hybrid to remain in compliance. The rule does not apply to used car sales — it puts the onus on manufacturers, not consumers.

Those in the sector have another reason to watch the upcoming election. While Trump could roll back the rule, the issue would likely land before the Supreme Court, which currently has a strong conservative majority. November’s outcome could well determine whether the new rule remains in effect.

What U.S. States Plan to Ban Gas-Powered Automobiles?

Although the new rule does not directly ban gas-powered vehicles, the federal government isn’t the only ruling body taking swift action to address climate change. Nine states have adopted the Advance Clean Cars II rules, which phase out the sales of traditional fossil fuel-powered cars by 2035. States that have implemented the plan to date include:

> New York

> New Jersey

> Rhode Island

> Massachusetts

> Delaware

> Maryland

> Washington

> Oregon

> California

While these regulations do not prevent consumers from purchasing gas-powered vehicles in other states, they do require them to meet emission standards. Opponents — such as Ray Cantor, the Chief Deputy Government Affairs Officer of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association — argue that these guidelines nevertheless ignore the cost to consumers and the lack of existing infrastructure.

Many detractors of these new rules say forcing customers to purchase EVs is too costly and that insufficient infrastructure exists to permit charging. They fear the societal disruptions that may occur during the shift. Supporters, however, point out that failure to act could drive everyone over a climate cliff from which there is no return. While they admit that some hiccups could occur, the consequences of failing to act are far too dire to ignore.

Other Gas-Powered Engines

Cars aren’t the only gas-powered engines creating emissions. Another culprit is landscaping equipment, including lawnmowers and trimmers, leaf and snow blowers, chainsaws, and golf carts. These also contribute to the air pollution that leads to 6.5 million deaths each year and rising global temperatures.

Anyone who has had to close their window against the din of the leaf blower crew knows these devices create noise as well. Thus far, more than 100 cities across America have banned these gadgets, which produce as much pollution in one hour as driving a car for 1,100 miles.

However, many in the landscaping sector oppose these new laws. While electric alternatives exist for everything from lawnmowers to leaf blowers, industry insiders contest that companies need more time to transition to the latest equipment. Rich Goldstein — President of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association — also points out that fossil fuel-powered two-stroke engines, while inefficient, allow workers to maneuver into hard-to-reach places.

Residents who live in areas with such bans, however, often support them, citing cleaner, healthier, and quieter communities. Jessica Stolzberg — a writer and crusader against gas-powered leaf blowers — lauds the ban as making the neighborhood better for children at play.

Is the U.S. Banning Gas-Powered Engines?

While the U.S. isn’t immediately banning gas-powered engines, the shift to alternative fuels is necessary and clear. Consumers can prepare themselves by transitioning to such models as soon as possible.

Most people agree on the need to transition away from gas-powered engines. Burning fossil fuels has already increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere to dangerously high levels. Where they disagree is on the timing and implementation of such legislation.

Jack Shaw is the senior editor of the men’s lifestyle magazine Modded and has written extensively about electric vehicles, sustainable practices, and maintaining a green lifestyle through your everyday actions. His writing can be found in Green Living Journal, Packaging Digest, EcoHotels, and more. Connect with him via his LinkedIn.