TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is serious when it comes to banning gasoline-powered cars in New Jersey in twelve years. The governor is pushing for a ban on new gasoline-powered cars in the Garden State by 2035.
This week, Murphy has announced the filing of the Advanced Clean Cars II proposal, a significant step towards combating what he claims is the intensifying climate crisis in New Jersey.
The proposal, submitted to the Office of Administrative Law, mandates vehicle manufacturers to increase the production of zero-emission vehicles as a percentage of their new light-duty vehicle sales. The goal is to achieve 100% ZEVs by 2035.
The ACCII rule places no obligations on consumers or car dealers and offers flexibility for manufacturers through a credit trading mechanism.
Governor Murphy, during his 2023 Climate Address in February, directed the Department of Environmental Protection to engage stakeholders in developing the ACCII proposal for this year. The proposal is set to be published in the August 21 edition of the New Jersey Register, starting a public comment period that will run until October 20, 2023.
Furthermore, Governor Murphy announced New Jersey’s participation in the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Declaration of the Accelerating to Zero Coalition. This global agreement, launched by the UK at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) and signed by numerous nations and cities, aims to achieve a zero-emission vehicle future aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement. New Jersey has committed to Section 2C of the Declaration, further cementing the state’s dedication to combating climate change.
Governor Murphy emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “By filing the ACCII proposal, we build upon our nation-leading record of bold climate action while delivering on our promise to utilize every tool at our disposal to combat the intensifying climate crisis.” He highlighted the commitment to cleaner air for every New Jersey family, with cleaner and healthier air becoming a reality through current emission reduction efforts.
The Administration’s recently adopted budget includes a $10 million appropriation to support the increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road. The DEP will utilize these funds to meet the demand for charging station installations at businesses, multi-unit residential buildings, and public locations. This investment is part of the Murphy Administration’s $75 million commitment to EVs and charging stations.