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Governor Murphy Proposes Advanced Clean Cars II, Aiming for 100% Zero-Emission Vehicles by 2035
New Jersey Joins International Zero Emission Vehicle Declaration, Reaffirming Commitment to Paris Agreement.
Governor Phil Murphy announced the filing of the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) proposal with the Office of Administrative Law today, aiming to make zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) 100% of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2035. The rule will impose no obligations on consumers or car dealers, providing vehicle manufacturers with compliance flexibility through a credit trading mechanism.
Since his 2023 Climate Address, Governor Murphy had directed the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to propose this rule within the year. The Office of Administrative Law is expected to publish the proposal in the August 21 New Jersey Register, kicking off a public comment period that will last until October 20, 2023.
Governor Murphy also announced New Jersey's commitment to the Accelerating to Zero Coalition’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Declaration. This global agreement was launched by the UK during the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in November 2021 and has been signed by 41 national governments and 74 cities, states, and regional governments. The signing reaffirms New Jersey's commitment to a zero-emission future in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
"By filing the ACCII proposal, we build upon our nation-leading record of bold climate action while delivering on our promise to utilize every tool at our disposal to combat the intensifying climate crisis," said Governor Murphy.
Catherine Klinger, Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy, noted that the move will reduce emissions from the vehicle sector, which currently contributes to more than 40% of New Jersey's emissions.
The state's recently adopted budget includes a new $10 million appropriation for supporting the increase of electric vehicles on the roads. These funds will facilitate the installation of charging stations in businesses, residential buildings, and public locations. This is a part of the larger $75 million investment in electric vehicles and charging stations made this week by the Murphy Administration.
Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette emphasized the importance of adopting zero-emissions vehicle standards to limit climate-damaging emissions, improve air quality, and public health, and support the cleantech marketplace.
Alex Ambrose, Policy Analyst with New Jersey Policy Perspective, acknowledged the state's urgency in addressing the climate crisis and lauded Governor Murphy and Commissioner LaTourette for taking this important step toward improving air quality.
