TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has repeatedly said he’s not coming for your gas stoves, but on page 20 of the state’s new Strategic Climate Action Plan, it not only says he’s coming for your stoves, but also your gas-powered appliances, heating systems, and your gas-powered boats.
Yes, he’s going after ‘harbor craft’. Harbor craft is Trentonspeak for boats with compression ignition diesel engines including harbor cruises, fishing boats, tug boats, and other large vessels with category 1 and 2 engines.
What we’re seeing now is just phase one of the governor’s radical energy plan, 1.0. In the new plan, Murphy hints about what can be found in version 2.0.
In Phase 2, he will seek further bans on gas-powered vehicles and implement new gas-powered appliance and equipment standards. That means, of course, a ban on gas-powered appliances and equipment.
“Following the completion of the initial phase of CPR regulatory reforms, and as described further herein, the Department is continuing the evolution of its greenhouse gas reduction efforts through the development of a second phase (CPR 2.0) that will seek to join nationwide efforts to implement regulations to further increase electric vehicle sales, implement appliance and equipment efficiency standards, address climate-influenced degradation of air quality from consumer products, better align policy and permitting decisions with the State’s emission reduction goals, and evaluate additional regulatory proposals related to the electrification of large fleets, cargo handling equipment, and harbor craft,” the plan reads.
In the plan, Governor Phil Murphy unveils a mileage tax on electric vehicles as part of the state’s broader Strategic Climate Plan to offset declining fuel tax revenues. In a move aimed at keeping the state’s infrastructure budget and salaries flush with cash, Governor Phil Murphy says the state needs to come up with a plan to tax electric vehicle (EV) mileage.
This initiative comes as an extension of the state’s Strategic Climate Plan, which outlines comprehensive measures to phase out gas-powered appliances and vehicles.
“Coordinate with its sister agencies to develop joint recommendations for sustainable funding mechanisms to replace fuel tax revenues currently used to maintain transportation infrastructure,” the plan states.
The announcement follows the completion of the first phase of Climate Pollution Reduction (CPR) regulatory reforms. The second phase, dubbed CPR 2.0, focuses on joining nationwide efforts for increased electric vehicle sales, appliance and equipment efficiency standards, and air quality improvements. The plan also highlights the need for sustainable funding mechanisms to replace declining fuel tax revenues.
Among the proposals is the adoption of the California Air Resources Board’s Advanced Clean Cars II regulations, aiming to make 100% of new passenger and light truck sales zero-emission by 2035. The state also plans to incorporate the Advanced Clean Truck rules and other emissions standards previously adopted by California.
Previous initiatives under CPR 1.0 included new greenhouse gas reporting rules, emissions limits for electric generating units, and the incorporation of California standards to reduce emissions from cargo handling equipment and heavy-duty vehicles.
Governor Murphy’s mileage tax on electric vehicles aims to ensure that sustainable transportation options contribute their share to infrastructure costs. The plan is expected to provoke discussions about the balance between encouraging green technologies and securing funding for public services.