by Ava Grace, Natural News:
In a move to placate state residents concerned with so-called climate change, the Democratic government of New Jersey has presented a plan to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered automobiles by 2035.
Gov. Phil Murphy announced the initiative along with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, claiming that he believes the new state rule will help to alleviate so-called climate change.
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“By filing the landmark Advanced Clean Cars II rule … New Jersey builds upon its standing as a national leader in climate action,” Murphy said. “The steps we take today to lower emissions will improve air quality and mitigate climate impacts for generations to come, all while increasing access to cleaner car choices.” (Related: Connecticut’s Democratic governor pulls plug on plan to ban sale of gas cars by 2035.)
The Garden State joins a growing list of states, including California, Vermont, New York, Washington, Oregon, Massachusetts, Virginia, Rhode Island, Maryland and Connecticut, that have created similar rules looking to ban fossil-fuel vehicles in favor of electric vehicles (EVs).
Restrictions on new gas-powered light-duty vehicles will begin in model year 2027 and ramp up to a complete ban on new gas vehicle sales by 2035. The new rule does not ban ownership of gas-powered vehicles, nor does it ban the sale of used gas-powered cars.
“[The rule] does not ban gasoline cars, nor does it force consumers to buy EVs. Rather, the rule will provide certainty to vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, utilities and charging infrastructure companies to make the long-term investments that will be crucial to large-scale deployment of light-duty ZEVs [zero-emission vehicles] and consumer choice,” claimed Murphy.
“Cleaner cars and trucks mean cleaner air for our children and families because the tailpipes of our own vehicles are a leading cause of poor local air quality,” LaTourette added.
New Jersey residents see problems ahead
Despite the governor’s plan, the citizens of New Jersey see problems ahead. There is, for starters, the infrastructure for charging electric vehicles that is not yet available. At present, New Jersey residents already have trouble finding places to charge electric vehicles.
“We need to see electric vehicle charging stations as commonplace as 7-Elevens and Wawas,” said Doug O’Malley, director of Environment New Jersey, an environment policy consulting and lobbying firm based out of Trenton. “You shouldn’t have to hunt to find an EV charging station.”
There is also a concern about people not being able to buy EVs because of cost. Prices for new electric vehicles start at about $40,000 range for base models, while base models for new gas-powered vehicles typically begin around $15,000. EVs with more accessories can easily top $100,000.
“Governments can mandate and auto manufacturers can build, but none of these goals will be met if consumers don’t buy the vehicles,” said Jim Appleton of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers. “Many are still put off by the high price.”
The administration continues to work toward the development and expansion of wind, solar, energy storage and other clean energy technologies in New Jersey. It also ensures that infrastructure, interconnection and electricity supply meet the increased charging demand of ZEV users.
“The steps we take today to lower emissions will improve air quality and mitigate climate impacts for generations to come, all while increasing access to cleaner car choices,” added Murphy. “Indeed, together with my Administration’s continuing investments in voluntary electric vehicle incentives, charging infrastructure and the green economy, these new standards will preserve consumer choice and promote affordability for hardworking New Jerseyans across the state.”
