TRENTON – The Murphy administration continues to push ahead with its clean energy agenda in the face of mounting opposition. On Tuesday, Nov. 21, the state Department of Environmental Protection filed a new rule establishing regulations concerning electric vehicles.
The rule prohibits the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles in the state by 2035. It also sets annual targets for electric vehicle sales, starting with the 2027 models, which will hit showrooms in 2026.
The DEP action sets the new requirements as an administrative rule that does not need legislative approval.
Critics argue that once again the state has rushed to establish new clean energy goals, and has done so without collaboration with the Legislature.
Data from the DEP and the Motor Vehicle Commission show that electric vehicles accounted for just under 10% of new car registrations as of 2023. According to the new rule, 51% of model-year 2027 cars that are sold in the state must be electric vehicles.
Supporters of the move celebrated when the DEP filing was done in time for the rule to impact 2027 model-year cars. But opposition to the new rule is strong.
According to the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, the rule does “not take costs or feasibility into account.” The criticisms are eerily similar to those voiced over the ambitious push for offshore wind farm development.
Critics argue that the rule fails to take into account the lack of infrastructure for the recharging of electric vehicles, the affordability of electric vehicles even with rebates, the ability of the grid to handle the required load electric vehicles will pose, and continuing concerns about the state’s ability to generate the electric power needed as disinvestment hits fossil fuels while promised renewable energy projects fall significantly behind schedule.
A letter from the New Jersey Business Coalition signed by over 100 business and labor groups urged the legislature to step in and stop the implementation of the new rule. The Cape May County Chamber of Commerce was one of the groups that signed the letter.
Contact the author, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.
