Democrats In California Want To Regulate Classic Cars

California’s push to reduce emissions is part of a broader goal to transition to electric vehicles by 2035.

Car enthusiasts in the Chicano community are speaking out after California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) began gathering information from vintage car owners in wake of a newly passed plan to further regulate gas-powered vehicles.

CARB recently sent surveys to owners of classic cars from 1978 or earlier, asking how often they drive them, where they go, and how many miles are on the odometer.

A recent CARB report suggests the move is part of a larger effort to assess how older vehicles contribute to emissions and whether they should be restricted from certain areas or heavily regulated.

The Daily Chela has obtained a copy of one letter, originally posted in a forum at Grassroots Motorsports, that appears to show Governor Newsom’s name in the upper corner.

New Legislation Passed

In response to critics, a member of Governor Newsom’s social media “rapid response team” shared a column simply stating that lowriding is currently legal. However, Newsom did not deny the authenticity of the letter and told the Sacramento Bee in 2022 that CARB’S latest draft plan “doesn’t go far enough.”

Earlier this month, the California Air Resources Board voted 12-2 to increase regulations, following seven hours of comments from more than 100 people.

Board members of CARB are not voted into position by citizens but are appointed by Newsom.

The vote comes on the heels of a draft report by CARB, which references Europe as a model that California should follow.

However, according to the Sustainable Mobility Unit at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), “There is no way the world can meet its zero-emission targets under the Paris Agreement on climate change unless efforts are made to regulate the used car trade.”

When comparing the survey sent out by CARB to select classic car owners, and CARB’s multiple reference to European-style regulations in its draft report, it is reasonable to conclude that CARB is indeed exploring the idea of banning or regulating classic cars, even while denying it.

Gas Prices Expected To Increase

Newsom’s push to reduce emissions is part of a broader goal to transition to electric vehicles by 2035.

The state’s Air Resources Board has played a key role in implementing emissions regulations, including updates to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), which could raise gas prices in California by as much as $1.50 per gallon by 2035—already the highest in the nation.

During a recent meeting, CARB approved the new fuel standards after hearing hours of public comments, including concerns from Republican Assembly member Tom Lackey, who warned that rising gas prices would hurt working-class Californians.

Chicano Car History In California

Classic car culture has been a staple in California for almost 100 years, particularly in the Mexican American community where lowriding remains a popular pastime.

Lowriding is closely connected to the Zoot Suit era, a time when Mexican American youth in Los Angeles embraced bold fashion as a way to express their identity.

While the Zoot Suit was a symbol of defying racial and cultural oppression, lowrider culture showcased the creativity and resilience of Mexican Americans.

Today, lowrider culture continues to represent Mexican American pride and resistance.

The Shrinking Latino Base

As CARB collects information, the backlash raises questions about whether such policies could further alienate Latino voters, particularly men, from the Democrat Party.

Many Latinos, who have a deep-rooted tradition of customizing and preserving vintage cars, are concerned the new rules could not only threaten their passion, but their cultural heritage.

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This column has been updated to include more information.