TRENTON, NJ – With the goal of addressing the climate crisis, Governor Phil Murphy has taken a decisive and controversial step in New Jersey’s green journey.
Governor Murphy has announced the filing of the Advanced Clean Cars II proposal, marking a vital step towards the state’s goal of banning gasoline-powered cars by 2035.
The proposal mandates vehicle manufacturers to progressively increase the production of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) as a percentage of new light-duty vehicle sales. It aims to achieve 100% ZEVs by the targeted year, without imposing obligations on consumers or car dealers.
The ACCII proposal has been submitted to the Office of Administrative Law. It offers flexibility for manufacturers through a credit trading mechanism and is set to be published in the New Jersey Register on August 21, initiating a public comment period running until October 20.
In addition to the ACCII proposal, Governor Murphy announced New Jersey’s commitment to the Zero Emission Vehicle Declaration of the Accelerating to Zero Coalition. This global agreement aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement, and New Jersey has committed to Section 2C of the Declaration.
The governor’s commitment to combating climate change and enhancing air quality is further backed by the state’s recent budget, which includes a $10 million allocation to support the growth of electric vehicles. The Department of Environmental Protection will use these funds for charging station installations across various locations. This investment is part of the $75 million commitment to electric vehicles and charging stations.
Governor Murphy’s proactive stance emphasizes the state’s dedication to cleaner air and environmental responsibility, as New Jersey continues to lead the way in national climate action.
In addition to the gasoline-powered car ban, Democrats are seeking gas stove bans, restrictions on commercial coal-fired ovens, an incandescent light bulb ban, off-shore wind farms, electric heating systems and other green initiatives.
Proponents to Murphy’s New Green New Jersey say the state’s electrical grid won’t be able to handle the influx of new electric vehicles and mandated electric devices which could overrun the state’s powergrid causing blackouts and brownouts during peak hours.
Many feel the governor’s agenda is radical, saying it is more ambitious than the state’s infrastructure can handle.
