A California Assemblyman introduced a legislation to ban the sales of passenger vehicles powered by fossil fuels in 2040.

The proposal is in line with Gov. Jerry Brown’s goal and the state’s climate change prevention policies project.

The governor aims to have 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles on California roads by 2025. The state’s target is to have five million zero-emission vehicles by 2030.

Assemblyman Phil Ting of San Francisco is the author of AB 1745—the Clean Cars 2040 Act. He believes that the legislation will “set the next critical goal for California to combat climate change. Under the bill, all new cars for sale in California must zero emissions after January 1, 2040.

California needs to take big steps to fight climate change

In a statement, Assemblyman Ting noted that California has been a leader in promoting environmental protection and public health. The state is leading the country in these areas through visionary policies and technological innovations.

According to him, “It’s time that we clear the path for emissions-free transportation and take significant steps to achieve our ambitious emissions reduction goals.”

Additionally, Assemblyman Ting said, “We’re at an inflection point: we’ve got to address the harmful emissions that cause climate change.  Achieving the goal of electrification of transportation is crucial for the health of our people and the planet.”

At present, almost 40 percent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in California are coming from vehicles powered by fossil fuels.

Billionaire Tom Steyer supports Clean Cars 2040 Act

Billionaire hedge fund manager Tom Steyer supports the Clean Cars 2040 Act. He believes that California needs to “take action to accelerate the transition to 100% clean vehicles.”

Steyer stressed, “Dirty vehicles are the largest source of carbon emissions in California –polluting the air and water for millions across the state.”

In addition, he said the legislation is necessary to protect Californian’s health and create good-paying clean energy jobs. It will also boost the state’s role as a global climate leader.

Furthermore, Steyer said, “If we want to seriously combat climate change…we need to invest in clean, zero emission transportation.”

Steyer is the founder and president of NextGen America, a nonprofit environmental advocacy and political action committee.