API: Virginia Leaders Stand Up for Consumer Choice

WASHINGTON, June 5, 2024 – The American Petroleum Institute (API) today released the following statement from President and CEO Mike Sommers in support of Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares’ announcement regarding the Advanced Clean Cars (ACC) II Rule, which bans the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035: 

“We applaud Governor Youngkin and Attorney General Miyares for standing up for consumer freedom and pushing back against restrictive government overreach. The ACC II rule is a flawed policy that limits Americans’ ability to choose what vehicle best fits their needs, budget and lifestyle and fails to recognize the role liquid fuels can play in achieving similar emissions reductions, on a faster timeline, and at a lower cost. Like all Americans, Virginians want choices – not mandates.”

A California rule, written by a California Administration without opportunity for input by Virginians, ACC II requires that by model year 2026 over one-third (35%) of all new light-duty vehicles offered for sale be "so-called" zero-emission vehicles (ZEVS) and that by the 2035 model year, all (100%) new light-duty vehicles be ZEVs.

In February, API submitted comments to EPA on ACC II and its potential application to other states.

API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports nearly 11 million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our approximately 600 members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy, and participate in API Energy Excellence®, which is accelerating environmental and safety progress by fostering new technologies and transparent reporting. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.

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