A bill

 

to prohibit passenger motor vehicles manufactured after january 1, 2035, from being sold in this state unless the vehicle produces zero emissions.

 

Whereas, South Carolina is the number one passenger vehicle exporter in the United States; and

 

Whereas, South Carolina is home to nearly 500 automotive-related companies and is the number one producer and exporter of tires in the nation, accounting for nearly one-third of all U.S. tire export sales; and

 

Whereas, South Carolina acknowledges that electric vehicles (EVs) are the future of the automotive industry; and

 

Whereas, EV-related manufacturers and battery recycling plants such as Volkswagen's Scout Motors, BMW, Bosch, Envision AESC, Magna, Mercedes-Benz, Oshkosh, Polestar, Redwood Materials, Volvo, Cirba Solutions, and Albemarle Corporation already call South Carolina home; and

 

Whereas, South Carolina's EV ownership increased 69.5% from 2020 to 2021; and

 

Whereas, EVs will lead this State to a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future. Now, therefore,

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

 

SECTION 1.  No passenger motor vehicle manufactured after January 1, 2035, may be sold in this State unless the motor vehicle produces zero emissions.

 

SECTION 2.  (A)  The Department of Administration shall commence the process of analyzing the actions that need to be taken by this State to comply with the requirement of zero emission motor vehicles set forth in SECTION 1.   The Department of Administration's analysis must include the submission of a report to the General Assembly no later than December 31, 2024, with specific recommendations of statutory and regulatory changes.  In making its recommendations, the department shall adhere to standards and practices set forth in the California Air Resources Board's Advanced Clear Car II Regulations, as revised and updated.  All state agencies must cooperate with the department in conducting its analysis.

    (B)  Additionally, given that by 2035 less motor vehicles will be purchasing motor fuel and thus the State will have less revenue from the motor fuel user fee to maintain our roads, the Department of Administration shall make recommendations regarding the funding of our statewide road system, including but not limited to, new funding sources whereby all users of the roads would pay their share of the maintenance thereof.  The department may consult with other state agencies who must cooperate with the department.

 

SECTION 3.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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