Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Media Tip Sheets
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Media Tip Sheets

Gas-Powered Car Bans Won’t Work Without Infrastructure Investments

Friday, September 9, 2022, By Daryl Lovell
Share
Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

California lawmakers have passed a measure cracking down on the future sales of new gasoline cars. The rules call for the ban of new gas-powered cars by 2035, with target guidelines to phase out the cars in increments. It is the first ban of its kind, and states nationwide are expected to enact similar policies.

David Popp

David Popp

David Popp is a professor in the Public Administration and International Affairs Department in Syracuse University’s Maxwell School. Popp’s research interests are in environmental policy and the economics of technological change. Much of his research focuses on the links between environmental policy and innovation, with a particular interest in how environmental and energy policies shape the development of new technologies that may be relevant for combatting climate change.

Popp says:

“While I support efforts to increase the use of electric vehicles, I worry that an all-out ban on gasoline-powered vehicles would be going too far. Electric vehicles are great for day-to-day commutes, for example, but many consumers are still concerned about the lack of range batteries have for a family road trip. The California policy appears to provide some leeway by allowing hydrogen powered vehicles. But hydrogen vehicles are still an expensive option and fueling stations are limited.

“Whether manufacturers will work to improve the viability of hydrogen vehicles is not clear. The cost of producing hydrogen fuel is a limiting factor, which requires investments from energy producers as well. Automakers have already committed to producing more electric vehicles. A mandate like this helps reassure them that there will be a market for these vehicles. Improvements are likely, but limits on range and charging time may be difficult technical challenges to overcome. It does appear that plug-in hybrid vehicles would be allowed under the California regulation. If so, that could provide an alternative for consumers concerned about range, assuming manufacturers choose to make such vehicles available.

“The 17 states that currently follow California’s vehicle emissions standards face a challenging choice. A policy change like this cannot be adopted in a vacuum. New charging infrastructure will need to be built, particularly for people who don’t live in single-family homes and can simply plug in a vehicle when they return home.  Charging infrastructure will also be needed along interstates and other places where drivers may go on longer road trips. Will states not participating upgrade their infrastructure as well? Additional charging stations mean new electric grid capacity will be needed. For consumers choosing hydrogen vehicles, refueling stations need to be built. And there is no guarantee hydrogen is a clean fuel. Hydrogen can be produced using renewable energy, but it can also be made using fossil fuels.

 

“Any state choosing to follow California’s lead will must be prepared to make the necessary investments to make electric and hydrogen vehicles work in their states. Simply mandating their sale will not be enough.”

 

 

To request interviews or get more information:

Daryl Lovell
Associate Director of Media Relations
Division of Communications

M 315.380.0206
dalovell@syr.edu | @DarylLovell
news.syr.edu | syracuse.edu

Syracuse University

  • Author
  • Faculty Experts

Daryl Lovell

  • David Popp

  • Recent
  • Syracuse University Libraries’ Information Literacy Scholars Produce Information Literacy Collab Journal
    Thursday, May 29, 2025, By Cristina Hatem
  • Trip to Atlanta Gives Falk Students ‘Real-World’ Opportunities and Connections
    Thursday, May 29, 2025, By Matt Michael
  • Syracuse Pride on Display: Limited-Edition Poster Supports Future Generations
    Thursday, May 29, 2025, By News Staff
  • Maxwell Advisory Board Welcomes New Leadership
    Thursday, May 29, 2025, By Jessica Youngman
  • Syracuse Stage Hosts Inaugural Julie Lutz New Play Festival
    Wednesday, May 28, 2025, By News Staff

More In Media Tip Sheets

Expert Available to Discuss DOD Acceptance of Qatari Jet

If you’re a reporter covering the U.S. Department of Defense’s acceptance of a luxury jet from Qatar, Alex Wagner, adjunct professor at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, is available for interviews. Please see his comments below….

Historian Offers Insight on Papal Transition and Legacy

As the Roman Catholic Church begins a new chapter under Pope Leo XIV, historians and scholars are helping the public interpret the significance of this moment. Among them is Margaret Susan Thompson, professor of history in the Maxwell School of…

From Policy to Practice: How AI is Shaping the Future of Education

President Trump recently signed an executive order focusing on educational opportunities surrounding artificial intelligence. Among other things, it establishes a task force to promote AI-related education and tools in the classroom. That is a major area of focus for Dr….

V-E Day: The End of WWII in Europe, 80 Years Later

This week marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day, when Nazi Germany formally surrendered to Allied forces on May 8, 1945, bringing an end to World War II in Europe. While it signaled the collapse of Hitler’s…

Hendricks Chapel Reflects on the Legacy of Pope Francis

If you need an expert to discuss the legacy of Pope Francis, you may want to consider Syracuse University Catholic Father Gerry Waterman, OFM Conv., or The Rev. Brian E. Konkol, Ph.D., vice president and dean of Hendricks Chapel. He…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • Youtube
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2025 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.