TRENTON, NJ—New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is only looking out for your interests and those of your children and grandchildren.
That’s why he is forcing you to buy an EV by 2035. Governor Murphy is also protecting himself and his staff by purchasing a brand new fleet of supersized, gas-guzzling SUVs.
That irony wasn’t lost with the governor’s 2035 gasoline-powered car ban.
Eric Degessero of the Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey challenged the state’s electric vehicle mandate during last year’s ACC II public hearing, questioning the contrast between Governor Phil Murphy’s personal transportation choices and the impending requirements for residents.
Degessero opened his statement by expressing gratitude toward the New Jersey State Police for their service, mentioning his upbringing in Sussex County. He pointed out that the State Police, responsible for the Governor’s safety, have chosen a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle for him.
Not just one, but a whole fleet of Chevrolet Suburbans. You know, those huge gas guzzlers the governor doesn’t want you buying.
Beginning in the calendar year 2025, one third of new cars sold in New Jersey must be electric vehicles (EVs) as per Governor Murphy’s mandate. Degessero questioned why the governor, who trusts the judgment of the State Police for his own safety, was imposing a different standard on the residents of New Jersey. He said the new rule would limit the supply and increase the cost of ICE vehicles.
Degessero also touched on legislative history, stating that the California car mandate, adopted by New Jersey in 2003, gave the executive the authority to impose a zero-emission vehicle mandate. However, he noted that this provision was repealed in 2013.
He concluded his comments by suggesting that until the governor recognizes that the safety of the state’s 9.2 million residents is as important as his own, the electric vehicle mandate should be withdrawn.
