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“You need Chevron, I need Chevron.”
That’s the message from Democratic gubernatorial frontrunner Xavier Becerra, who’s making waves by breaking with the left on one of California’s most ambitious climate policies — as he refuses to fully back the state’s plan to phase out new gas-powered vehicle sales by 2035.
The former Health and Human Services secretary, who leads polling ahead of the June 2 primary to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, stopped short of endorsing the state’s target to ban new gas and hybrid vehicle purchases starting in 2035.
“California should transition from gas-powered vehicles when it makes sense — when infrastructure and affordability are there for California families,” Becerra wrote in response to a POLITICO survey.
His comments are the latest sign of a more moderate approach to climate policy as affordability concerns increasingly dominate California politics.
Becerra later elaborated in an interview, explaining that California’s move away from fossil fuels hinges on unpredictable factors like federal backing, automaker collaboration, and the state’s financial health.
“We’re not going to live in a world that’s make-believe,” Becerra said. “If you could tell me where those things are, I could give you a much more precise answer. And if anyone says they can give you that answer, then they’re just making a lot of inflated promises.”
In major contrast to Newsom’s hallmark policies, Becerra’s stance opposes the 2020 mandate that forced regulators to tighten emissions standards and fast-track California’s shift to electric vehicles.
“It seems like Becerra is trying to make sure he has wiggle room on these affordability issues,” Democratic consultant Andrew Acosta told POLITICO. “Because if you do a hard phase out of gas cars, there are a lot of people who can’t afford to buy an EV tomorrow.”
Despite scaling back on other climate goals, Newsom stood by the 2035 target, reaffirming California’s EV commitment immediately after the Trump administration eliminated the $7,500 federal tax credit.
“We won’t let this illegal action by Trump and Republicans in the pockets of polluters stand in the way of commonsense policy to clean our air, protect the health of our kids, and compete on the global stage,” Newsom said.
Becerra’s position has opened a line of attack for billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer — his Democratic rival — in the closing days of the campaign. Steyer has labeled the former attorney general “Big Oil Becerra” and slammed his acceptance of oil industry donations.
“Tom is committed to California’s ambitious climate goals, and will work to overcome hurdles to the state’s 2035 target,” Steyer spokesperson Kevin Liao said. “As governor, Tom will triple the state’s EV tax credit, ensuring working and middle-class households can actually afford the transition to the latest electric vehicle technology.”
Meanwhile, Becerra’s stance has alarmed clean transportation advocates, who warn that stepping back from California’s EV goals could worsen pollution and tarnish the state’s image as a climate leader.
“I think that’s all part of why it’s disconcerting and disappointing,” said Dan Sperling, director emeritus of UC Davis’ Institute of Transportation Studies and a former member of the California Air Resources Board.
Others believe Becerra’s concerns highlight the real-world challenges facing whoever succeeds Newsom.
“I think it’s really important to have a goal, but a goal doesn’t magically make things happen,” said Katelyn Roedner Sutter, California state director for the Environmental Defense Fund.
“If anything, it’s the easiest step, and now we have to actually do the funding work, the policy work, and the coalition building to make it happen. And that goes for whoever the next governor is.”
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