June 8 (UPI) -- European Parliament lawmakers voted Wednesday to support an effective ban on the sale of new gas and diesel vehicles in the European Union beginning in 2035.
The lawmakers voted 339-249 in favor of a proposal by the European Commission last year to reduce CO2 emissions from new cars by 100% from 2021 levels by 2035.
Fulfilling the proposal would effectively ban the sale of vehicles powered by fossil fuels in the EU by that time.
The proposal also calls for intermediate emissions reductions of 55% for cars and 50% for vans by 2030.
"An ambitious revision of CO2 standards is a crucial part of reaching our climate targets," Member of Parliament Jan Huitema said. "With these standards, we are creating clarity for the car industry and can stimulate innovation and investments for car manufacturers."
Wednesday's vote does not put the policies into effect but establishes parliament's position for negotiations with EU countries.
