NJ Could Ban Sale Of New Gas Vehicles

NEW JERSEY — A ban on the sale of gas-powered vehicles could be in New Jersey's future.

California recently decided to phase out sales of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035, and when it comes to environmental regulations, NJ tends to follow in the state's footsteps.

Although the Murphy Administration has not said anything yet, climate activists are calling for a stronger push towards electric vehicles.

In 2020, Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law the Electric Vehicle Law, which is increasing the number of EV chargers throughout the state to at least 1,000 by 2025. Murphy, with the Department of Environmental Protection, have taken measures and provided funding to lower carbon dioxide emissions and protect the state from the impact of climate change.

Now, activists are asking for more.

Sen. Bob Smith, a Democrat from Middlesex County and a frequent support of climate change-related bills, told NJ Spotlight News "the sooner the better" when it comes to moving towards all-electric vehicles.

Smith told the news outlet that it had to be "doable," noting that it's currently difficult to get an EV in the state due to supply chain issues, and that he was not sure if citizens were ready for that move yet.

Assembly Transportation Committee chairman Dan Benson, a Democrat from Mercer County, is working to make EVs more affordable in the state so they can be accessible to more residents.

California's program will not penalize drivers who still use gas cars in 2035. Instead, it will focus on auto manufacturers who do not comply with zero-emission vehicle targets.

Director of Environment New Jersey, Doug O'Malley, told NJ Spotlight News "To meet New Jersey’s climate goals, we have to adopt California car standards this year. The EV transition has to speed up."

"If we don’t adopt the California rule, we will never meet our climate goals," Jeff Tittel, retired director of the Sierra Club, told NJ.com.

The transition would be a large one, but it comes as some auto manufacturers, like General Motors and Ford, have committed to producing only EVs by 2025.

So far, nothing has been set in stone, according to NJ Spotlight News.

"The changes to California’s program will require evaluation and rulemaking, if they are adopted in New Jersey," said Larry Hajna, a DEP spokesman, told the outlet.