The regulations, which could be voted on by the state's Air Resources Board as early as today, include a new zero-emissions vehicle mandate. The goal is to have 1.4 million zero-emission and plug-in hybrids on California roads by 2025. But the program also looks ahead to 2050, laying groundwork for a goal of having 87% of the state's fleet of new vehicles fueled by electricity, hydrogen fuel cells or other clean technologies, according to the Associated Press.
The initial elements of the program would start as soon as 2015.
California, in a move likely to be adopted by other states, would also continue its first-in-the-nation greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and trucks, which went into effect in 2009, only this time in concert with new federal standards, the AP reports.
"This regulation is planned over a 40-year horizon, and that is extremely unusual," said board spokesman David Clegern. "But it gives us time to put the pieces in place with no surprises. The individual companies can plan for changes and develop the technology, and over the long haul, it will shift us away from reliance on petroleum."
California Air Resources Board Chairman Mary Nichols said she hopes the rules to require that vehicles emit about 75% less smog-producing pollutants will "lead the nation and the world."
Fourteen other states, including Washington, New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts, have adopted California's current emissions goals, which is why the new regulations could have such a wide-ranging effect.
Chris Woodyard is an auto writer for USA TODAY who covers all aspects of motoring. He revels in the exhaust note of a Maserati and the sharp creases of a Cadillac CTS. Chris strives to live a Porsche life on a Scion budget. More about Chris
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