Zac Quinn 
Not long ago, California adopted a new law that set low- and- zero-emission motor-vehicle standards. The bill essentially banned the sale of new gas and diesel-powered motor vehicles starting in 2035. Meaning only used ICE vehicles could be purchased. Otherwise, it would need to be an electrified vehicle. A bill recently made its way to the New Hampshire House of Representatives that sought to follow in California’s footsteps and enact the same ban on ICE vehicles. That didn’t go well.
New Hampshire Won’t Ban ICE Vehicles
The New Hampshire House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted against the SEMA-opposed bill. As stated by the SEMA website, SEMA believes that New Hampshire’s residents, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. We couldn’t agree more with that statement as low- and zero-emission vehicles might not fit an individual’s or family’s needs.
The New Hampshire rejection of California’s vehicle emissions rules comes on the heels of Colorado proposing a modified version of the Golden State’s standards that would not include an internal combustion engine ban. Instead, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) issued a final draft of the state’s 2023 Colorado Electric Vehicle (EV) plan, which it intends to adopt later in 2023.
Despite being a CARB state, the proposal doesn’t follow California by banning the sale of new internal combustion engine-powered vehicles. Once adopted, the proposed rule will go into effect starting with the 2027 model year. The draft will boost incentives for buying EVs over ICE vehicles. Still, this option is better regarding what’s available for consumers. Some may need or want an ICE vehicle for more extended travel or possibly even a work vehicle that needs to tow or haul large amounts of items over long distances. It’s hard to say which states will follow this draft over California’s ban, but with New Hampshire’s decision, things aren’t as bleak as they initially were.
