California isn’t just setting trends in tech and avocado toast , they’re about to revolutionize how we drive, and fossil fuel fanboys are NOT gonna like it.

Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Air Resources Board are cooking up some seriously spicy policy proposals to keep electric vehicle (EV) adoption on track, even after federal support got torpedoed. With the political landscape looking messier than a startup’s first pitch deck, the state is determined to push clean transportation forward.

Taxing the Gas-Powered Dinosaurs

One radical idea gaining traction is the “feebate” system , basically a big middle finger to gas-powered vehicles. The plan? Tax new high-emission vehicles and shower rebates on cleaner alternatives. Researchers like Daniel Sperling are advocating for a stripped-down version that sends a crystal-clear market signal: gas cars are so last decade.

Follow the Money

California’s looking to redirect existing climate revenues from programs like cap-and-trade and the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. The goal? Funnel those billions into EV rebates, especially for low-income communities who’ve been historically left out of the green tech revolution.

Infrastructure or Bust

But it’s not just about sexy electric cars. The state is also tackling the charging infrastructure nightmare, pushing for faster permitting and utility connections. Because what good is an electric car if you can’t actually charge the darn thing?

With 17 other states following California’s lead, these policies could spark a nationwide EV transformation. Take that, climate change deniers!