Ballot summary:

According to the EPA the transportation sector accounts for about 29 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest contributor of U.S. GHG emissions. Therefore, the fastest way to stop the further pollution of the planet is to stop producing the largest source of the problem. This petition's goal is to ban the production of gasoline vehicles by 2025.

Full ballot:

Due to the fact that the transportation sector accounts for about 29 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions; this petition bans the production of gasoline vehicles in the US by the year 2025. The law allows for bio- fuels, electric, hydrogen vehicles or any other new tech that may arise. The effect is that after 2025 no US company would be able to make any more polluting vehicles. Just as important in my opinion is to ban the import of any gasoline vehicle produced after 2025.
I also believe a prong of this law should be a voluntary buyback program. For any citizen or company that no longer wants their gasoline or hybrid vehicle, the government can purchase it from them. Once the vehicles are acquired, they can then be sold at auction starting at $1 for any local citizen or company in need of a vehicle. If there are any vehicles left after the auction is over, they can be donated to the less fortunate overseas who may need or want a vehicle. In my opinion it is more sustainable to use older vehicles then it is to produce new alternative fuel vehicles.
From electric cars, ethanol, hydrogen, and propane vehicles to natural gas-powered buses and trucks that run on biodiesel, today’s options for alternative fuel vehicles are vast. Increasing the demand for alternative fuels and vehicles will help reduce consumers’ fuel and energy costs, minimize pollution, and increase the nation’s energy security. After the ban is put in place there will be an increased demand for alternative fuels. For larger companies like Shell and Chevron they might see the increased demand and start to invest more heavily in supplying alternatives such as biofuel, solar, and hydrogen. However, for any energy company that is small or hasn’t formed yet, I would suggest providing grants and subsidies to those companies. This will ensure that all citizens needs are met once the switch to alternative fuels is made.
The transportation sector includes more than just individuals and shipping companies but also governments. All three will have to adapt for the United States to stay in line with the Paris Agreement. Meaning that every American city and state will need to electrify their public transport with electric trains and trams. Or alternatively, cities can donate or auction their old public buses and purchase hydrogen or bio-fuel buses for public use. The faster the United States revamps this public sector the better our air quality will be. According to the EU air pollution can lead to a wide range of diseases, including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, aggravated asthma, and lower respiratory infections.

The last thing that’s needed in order for this law to work is to increase the amount of electric vehicle recharging stations as well as biofuel and hydrogen refueling pumps. In some areas across the country, there are no alternative fuel refuel pumps or recharge stations. The United States will have to increase these in every state so that consumers can have ease of access when they do purchase an alternative fuel vehicle regardless of if they live in a city or rural area. My recommendation is at least one alternative fuel pump or recharging station for every 30 minutes of driving excluding highways.

In conclusion, the United States transportation sector accounts for about 29 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest contributor of U.S. GHG emissions. The only way for the United States to stay in line with that agreement is if we stop producing gasoline vehicles altogether. In order for this law to have its intended effect, we will have to increase the amount of alternative fuel and recharging stations as soon as possible. The United States should start subsidizing alternative fuel companies to increase market choices. We need to ban the import of foreign gasoline vehicles produced after 2025. The last thing to do is to electrify our public transportation system with electric trains, trams and buses or provide the public with alternative fuel transportation. All of these measures will shrink the transportation sectors CO2 emissions allowing our country to fall in line with the Paris Agreement. It will also make our air quality more healthy and safer to breathe. Increases energy independence and diversifying the fuel market making refuel or recharge costs cheaper and more competitive for consumers.