April 28, 2025
A deep dive into the political, economic, and cultural battle over America's automotive future.
The 2035 gas car ban is set to reshape the American automotive industry permanently. Several states, led by California, have officially announced a plan to phase out the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035, pushing instead for full electrification. However, this movement is facing strong resistance in various corners of the country.
Understanding which states are opposing this transformation—and why—reveals the deeper cultural, political, and economic rifts defining America’s transition toward electric vehicles (EVs).
What the 2035 ban actually entails
California’s Advanced Clean Cars II regulation, finalized in August 2022, requires 100% of new light-duty vehicle sales to be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2035. This includes battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and some plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
Following California’s lead, 17 states have historically adopted its emissions standards under Section 177 of the Clean Air Act. States like New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Oregon, and Washington have already announced plans to align with the 2035 target.
However, several states have decisively rejected it.
States fighting the gas car ban
Here’s a breakdown of which states are resisting the 2035 ban and the core arguments they present:
1. Texas
Texas officials, including Governor Greg Abbott, have publicly declared that Texas will not follow California’s lead. In 2025, legislation was passed prohibiting any local municipality from enforcing gas vehicle bans statewide. Texas leaders argue that forcing a rapid EV transition threatens:
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Energy grid stability, especially given Texas’s high summer energy demand
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Consumer freedom in rural areas where EV infrastructure is sparse
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The oil and gas economy, a major part of Texas’s GDP
Keywords: Texas car ban resistance, Texas 2035 EV policy
2. Virginia
In 2021, Virginia linked its emissions regulations to California’s framework. However, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced in 2024 that Virginia would untether itself from California standards by 2025.
Officials cited that:
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Residents should decide Virginia’s future, not unelected California bureaucrats
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Cost concerns: New EVs still average $55,000–$65,000, despite federal credits
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Infrastructure gaps, especially in western and rural Virginia
Keywords: Virginia gas car law, Virginia EV transition
3. Ohio
Ohio lawmakers have proposed bills preventing automatic adoption of California’s standards. They argue the state:
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Depends heavily on internal combustion engine (ICE) manufacturing jobs
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Lacks the charging network necessary to support mass EV usage
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Should not outlaw affordable used gas vehicles, vital for working-class buyers
Keywords: Ohio gas car ban debate, Ohio electric car policies
4. Wyoming
Wyoming took a unique approach: In early 2023, lawmakers introduced a resolution encouraging a phase-out of EV sales by 2035. Although largely symbolic, it sends a clear message of opposition, based on:
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Protecting the oil and gas workforce
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Skepticism toward EV environmental benefits, citing lithium mining impacts
Keywords: Wyoming EV ban, Wyoming pro-gas car resolution
Deeper reasons behind the resistance
The opposition to the 2035 gas car ban isn’t simply political. It’s rooted in economic structures, technological readiness, and regional identities.
Economic dependence on fossil fuels
States like Texas, Wyoming, and Louisiana have economies deeply tied to oil and gas production. A sudden shift toward EVs threatens hundreds of thousands of jobs across:
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Oil drilling
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Refining
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Transportation
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Support services
In 2025, fossil fuels still account for roughly 8% of U.S. GDP, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Infrastructure disparity
Urban coastal states enjoy dense EV charging networks. By contrast, rural America struggles:
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Less than 15% of rural counties have more than three public fast-charging stations
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EV range anxiety remains a major concern in sparsely populated areas
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Severe winters (common in states like North Dakota and Montana) can slash EV range by 20%-40%
Keywords: EV infrastructure challenges, rural EV adoption problems
Consumer skepticism
Despite EVs growing in popularity, surveys from 2025 show:
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42% of Americans still prefer gas vehicles for perceived reliability and lower initial costs
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35% of U.S. households say price remains a significant barrier to EV adoption, even after incentives
Additionally, states with heavy pickup truck usage (like Ford F-150, starting at $38,000 for gas models) see EV pickups as expensive alternatives (Ford F-150 Lightning starts at $54,995).
Keywords: EV consumer concerns, gas vehicle affordability
Legal and political tensions heating up
Federal policy under the Biden administration supports the 2035 goal with initiatives like:
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Expanded EV tax credits (up to $7,500 under the Inflation Reduction Act)
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$7.5 billion federal investment in national charging infrastructure
However, some legal experts predict that states opposing the ban may bring lawsuits challenging:
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California’s EPA waiver allowing separate standards
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Federal incentives tied specifically to EV purchases
Court battles in 2025 and beyond are likely to define how far states can diverge from federal emissions goals.
What this means for American car buyers in 2025
If you’re buying a new vehicle today, your options and incentives vary dramatically depending on your state:
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California, New York, Oregon: Strong incentives for EVs, stricter ICE car availability post-2030
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Texas, Virginia, Ohio: More ICE inventory, fewer EV purchase incentives, longer phase-out timelines
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Wyoming, North Dakota: No EV mandates, ICE vehicles available indefinitely
The gas car vs. EV debate isn’t just about technology—it’s about freedom of choice, economic survival, and America’s identity on wheels.
Note: For a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing developments and state-specific positions, readers are encouraged to consult official state government resources and recent legislative updates.
