2023-11-24 11:33:01
The Murphy administration approved a new rule banning the sale of new gasoline-powered cars in New Jersey starting in 2035, a step that aligns with the state’s goal of electrifying the transportation sector.
With its passage Tuesday, New Jersey joins 10 other states in adopting the rule, a move advocates see as a crucial component in phasing out fossil fuels to combat climate change and improve air quality. not healthy.
Four other states, including Connecticut and Delaware, are in the process of doing so before the end of the year.
The rule, which will go into effect on December 18, the date it is scheduled to be published in the New Jersey Register, ends a contentious dispute over the proposal, the latest involving a transformative change in the way millions of drivers of the state they move around running errands, traveling to work and visiting friends and family.
“The actions we take today to reduce emissions will improve air quality and mitigate climate impacts for generations to come, while increasing access to cleaner car options,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in a news release. . The transportation sector accounts for approximately 40% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
The Advanced Clean Car II program sets increasing sales targets for automakers so that every new light vehicle sold in New Jersey will be a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in the 2035.
There is no mandate to buy electric vehicles
The rule also requires the standards of conventionally manufactured vehicles that run on gasoline and diesel to meet more stringent tailpipe emissions standards. It does not ban light-duty gasoline-powered vehicles or force consumers to buy electric vehicles.
“This is a huge victory not only for the environment, but also for public health and the communities that suffer every day from pollution from congested roads,” said Anjuli Ramos-Busot, director of the Sierra Club of New Jersey.
The transportation sector accounts for approximately 40% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
But the proposal sparked widespread opposition from some segments, including the state’s auto dealers, who had previously supported other clean car initiatives.
This time, dealers argued that the rising goals set in the state — 43% of all model-year 2027 cars must be electric — are unrealistic and will raise prices for consumers.
“It’s a bad deal because it’s likely to backfire,” said Jim Appleton, president of the New Jersey Automotive Retail Coalition, “the reason is that the mandate will restrict options for consumers and make new cars virtually unaffordable.” for the middle class and workers. families.”
Raymond Cantor, deputy manager of government affairs for the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, urged the Legislature to intervene and put the brakes on the new rule, citing thousands of letters urging the administration not to adopt the rule.
Appleton agreed. “This is a political issue, not a legal one,” he said. “The Governor needs to exercise oversight responsibility over him. The Governor is far ahead of his own group on this.”
Charging infrastructure lags in New Jersey
New Jersey has regarding 123,000 electric vehicles on the road now, but that’s well short of the goal set by a different law that requires the state to have 330,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025.
Consumer demand for electric vehicles has increased since last December by 50%, driven in part by $30 million in annual taxpayer-funded incentives provided to consumers who purchase the vehicles.
But New Jersey has lagged behind other states in building charging infrastructure to prevent range anxiety among motorists who fear they won’t be able to find a place to recharge their batteries.
The adoption of the rule was hailed by elected officials and environmentalists, who had made it their top priority for the year.
“As the state’s largest auto transportation and power generation hub, Newark has much to gain from this rule, through increased investment in ZEVs, more jobs for city residents, and greater availability of these.” vehicles for city residents,” Newark said. Mayor Ras J. Baraka.
“Electric vehicles not only cost less over their lifetime than a fossil fuel-powered car, but they don’t spew toxic pollutants that impact the health of our communities,” said Ed Potosnak, director of the League of Voters for Women. New Jersey Conservation.
Fuente: NJ spotlight news
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