New Jersey Calls for Adoption of California Rules Requiring 100% of New Vehicle Sales to be Zero-Emission Vehicles by 2035
Highland Park–Today, Governor Murphy announced that New Jersey will begin the process towards adoption of California’s Advanced Clean Cars II. New Jersey takes its place behind leadership states. Washington, Oregon, Vermont, Massachusetts and New York—all of which adopted these regulations in 2022. The states of Delaware, Connecticut, Maryland and Rhode Island have already begun the process and are expected to adopt the regulations in 2023. These states, now joined by New Jersey, have all made the commitment to phase out the sale of gas-powered vehicles, moving to 100% sales of zero-emission vehicles by 2035.
Advanced Clean Cars II, approved this past summer in California, requires manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of new zero-emission cars and light-duty trucks, with 100% of new vehicle sales being zero-emission vehicles in 2035. This is an impactful step, accelerating the number of electric vehicles on our roads, reducing emissions from the transportation sector—the largest source of greenhouse gas and health-impacting emissions in New Jersey—and incentivizing the placement of these vehicles in environmental justice communities disproportionately impacted by vehicle pollution.
“While late to the party, we are pleased to see that New Jersey has finally joined California in adopting this regulation. It helps solidify the state as a national climate leader,” said Pam Frank, CEO of ChargEVC-NJ. “While an important step, we must be clear-eyed. Much work, way beyond an announcement, is needed to achieve a full transition to electrified transportation. “
When it comes to charging infrastructure, New Jersey already has electric vehicle charging infrastructure incentive programs that support the buildout of fast charging public infrastructure in the state. This jump started with the enactment of the electric vehicle law in 2020 and is now supercharged with an additional $104 million from The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. New Jersey needs to stay the course, properly resource the rebate program that provides support for the purchase of electric vehicles and, of crucial importance, ensure the grid manages the additional electric load to the benefit of all electric customers.