While Gov. Gavin Newsom wants California to move toward a net-zero emissions future, eliminating natural gas from the energy mix over the next 30 years may be difficult, according to a recent report.

hydrogen California

In “The Challenge of Retail Gas in California’s Low-Carbon Future,” academic researchers analyzed scenarios that could meet a goal to achieve an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 from 1990 levels. 

The report preceded an executive order by Gov. Gavin Newsom issued Wednesday, who signaled the state by 2035 should require all new in-state cars and passenger truck sales be zero emission.

“This analysis, and work by others, suggests that achieving the state’s ambitious climate goals is possible, but is far from assured, requiring rapid and near-term...