California drops bill to cut gasoline use in half by 2030

California drops bill to cut gasoline use in half by 2030

California Governor Jerry Brown has dropped a provision from a climate change bill that required the state to cut its gasoline consumption in half by 2030. The bill had received nationwide attention because of the pressures of climate change and the leading role California often plays in passing environmental legislation before the rest of the country.

The oil and gas industry lobbied hard to defeat the bill, running ads saying the measure would lead to fuel rationing and bans on SUVs. There was no evidence the claims were accurate, but itês clear the bill would have resulted in big changes in driving habits. Governor Brown vowed to find other ways to cut gasoline use.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers had opposed the bill, saying it could lead to a fragmented regulatory framework across the country on vehicle emissions.