New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy filed a new proposal with the Office of Administrative Law which, if approved, would ban the sale of new vehicles that run on gasoline or diesel (fossil fuels) by 2035.
The proposal, called Advanced Clean Cars II, will require automakers to develop more zero-emission models to increase sales of these vehicles to 100% in 12 years.
California, New York and the European Union have also banned the sales of these vehicles by 2035.
A commitment to "every New Jersey family and the air they breathe"
Governor Murphy called the move a "commitment to all New Jersey families and the air they breathe." He added that the new ban will not impose special requirements on drivers or car resellers or dealers, as it grants "compliance flexibilities" to manufacturers.
As part of the plan, the governor's office allocated $75 million to create more electric vehicle charging stations in public spaces, businesses and residential buildings. State Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said:
As New Jersey continues to experience the adverse impacts of climate change, we have the power and obligation to reduce its effects by limiting emissions of climate pollutants (...) Through the adoption of zero-emission vehicle standards, New Jersey can reduce its greatest source of climate-damaging emissions, improve air quality and public health, and support a growing clean technology market that will create even more green jobs in New Jersey and beyond.
Republicans against Murphy's proposal
State Republicans are among the biggest critics of Murphy's plans to impose these laws that would ban the sale of traditional vehicles. Many of them argue that it will force drivers in the state to buy electric cars and many will not be able to do so, as they are more expensive than conventional cars.
State Senate Minority Leader Steven Oroho compared Murphy's green energy plan to California's, which was implemented by fellow Democrat Gavin Newsom. He further described it as "extreme, expensive and totally unrealistic."
It seems the governor was serious when he said he wants to turn New Jersey into the California of the East Coast (...) Somebody should tell him that's not a good thing when people and businesses are fleeing California in droves as the Golden State declines under liberal policy failures.
