Senator Michael Testa has voiced strong opposition to Governor Phil Murphy’s electric vehicle (EV) regulations, particularly criticizing their potential impact on rural communities in New Jersey. The Murphy administration’s move to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035, as part of the Advanced Clean Cars II rule filed by the Department of Environmental Protection, is seen as a significant shift towards electric vehicles.
Testa, representing the first legislative district, expressed concerns about the mandate’s effects on various sectors including farming, fishing, energy, and manufacturing. He highlighted the potential job losses and economic instability that could arise from the transition to all-electric vehicles. The senator emphasized the disproportionate burden on rural areas, where infrastructure for charging electric vehicles is lacking and not easily accessible.
Additionally, Testa pointed out the potential risk to the livelihoods of mechanics, auto shops, local gas stations, and the used car market. He also raised concerns about the older residents and businesses in his district who might struggle to adapt to the new regulations.
The senator criticized the mandate for not adequately addressing the environmental impact of producing and disposing of electric vehicle batteries, particularly on South Jersey’s farms, fisheries, and manufacturers. Testa views Governor Murphy’s energy priorities as a “disaster plan” for the state and is considering legislation to protect rural communities from the implications of this mandate.
Concluding his remarks, Senator Testa argued that rural communities should have the freedom to choose between gas-powered cars, electric vehicles, or hybrids, instead of having this choice made for them by the state government. He stressed that residents in rural areas are at a higher risk of adverse effects from the mandate.