NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—A significant number of New Jersey residents are expressing concerns over the economic implications of the state’s plan to phase out new gas-powered vehicles by 2035, a recent Rutgers-Eagleton Poll reveals. Despite recognizing the environmental and health benefits of electric vehicles (EVs), half of the state’s populace does not support the Advanced Clean Car II (ACCII) program initiated by Governor Murphy last November.
The poll, conducted in December, showed that while 58% of respondents believe the policy will improve the state’s air quality and 51% foresee a positive impact on health, economic concerns are prominent. Thirty percent of New Jerseyans think the policy will benefit the state’s economy, whereas 44% view it as detrimental. Personal financial impacts are viewed even more negatively, with 47% anticipating a negative effect.
Ashley Koning, assistant research professor and director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, noted that the division in opinion is largely influenced by partisanship and a general lack of information about the specifics of the policy and EV technology.
The mandate finds its strongest support among Democrats, with 68% in favor, and is particularly popular among younger residents, urban dwellers, and those with higher levels of education. In contrast, only 15% of Republicans support the mandate, with a substantial 80% opposing it.
The likelihood of purchasing an EV also varies widely, with 56% of residents stating they are not likely to consider buying one, primarily due to the high costs associated and concerns about charging logistics and infrastructure.
As New Jersey moves forward with its ambitious environmental goals, the state faces the challenge of balancing the benefits of cleaner air and healthier communities with the economic realities and perceptions of its residents.