New jersey's gas car ban in jeopardy as ev sales lag state fails to meet required benchmarks

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted California a waiver under the Clean Air Act to enforce its Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) rule, which bans the sale of new gas-powered and traditional hybrid vehicles by 2035. The decision could pave the way for New Jersey and other states to adopt similar bans, sparking widespread debate over the future of vehicle markets, consumer choice, and environmental policy.

New Jersey is among a dozen states that have indicated plans to align with California’s ACCII regulations, requiring 100% of new vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2035. The state has already taken steps to phase out gas-powered cars, but its electric vehicle (EV) adoption rate currently lags California’s.

As of the second quarter of 2024, only 13.25% of new vehicle sales in New Jersey were electric or plug-in hybrids, far below the 35% target required by ACCII regulations starting in 2026.

Industry groups have raised concerns about the feasibility and legality of implementing these rules outside of California, particularly in states like New Jersey where EV infrastructure and adoption have yet to meet the required benchmarks. Critics argue that following California’s lead would impose undue costs on consumers and limit vehicle options.

“Millions of Americans, including those in New Jersey, are at risk of losing their ability to buy new gas cars in their home states,” said Chet Thompson, president and CEO of the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM). He warned that adopting the ban could drive up vehicle prices and transportation costs, while leaving states unprepared to meet EV sales targets.

The EPA’s approval comes as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear a challenge to California’s ACCII mandate. A coalition of energy, agriculture, and biofuel groups has argued that California’s rule exceeds its legal authority and unfairly influences national vehicle policy. If upheld, the California waiver could allow New Jersey and other states to proceed with similar bans, further reshaping the automotive market.

While New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has pushed for ambitious climate goals, including achieving 100% clean energy by 2035, questions remain about the state’s readiness to implement such sweeping changes. Investments in EV charging infrastructure and consumer incentives for EV purchases will need to accelerate to meet ACCII targets. Meanwhile, critics warn of potential economic fallout for residents and businesses dependent on affordable gas-powered vehicles.

The EPA’s decision solidifies California’s position as a leader in vehicle emissions regulation and sets the stage for other states, like New Jersey, to follow suit. Proponents argue that the move is critical for addressing climate change and reducing air pollution, while opponents contend it overreaches federal authority and disregards the preferences of many consumers.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.