New Jersey to phase out new gas-powered vehicles by 2035

New Jersey will phase out the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, joining states such as California and New York, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced Wednesday. 

The Advanced Clean Cars II rule, set to take effect Jan. 1, will make the Garden State the 11th state on such a trajectory, joining Vermont, Washington, Oregon, Massachusetts, Virginia, Rhode Island, Maryland and Connecticut. The rule, which California originated in 2022, will have no effect on use or ownership of existing gas-powered vehicles or used car sales.

New Jersey has already adopted an emissions standard for trucks that also originated in California.

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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 and its participation in the global Accelerating to Zero commitment,” Murphy said in a statement. “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. 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.”

The New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA), which heavily lobbied against adoption of the rule, blasted the announcement and said it did not address the lack of demand for electric vehicles.

“Automotive retailers, which have already invested billions in electric vehicles … warned that a heavy-handed mandate will not work for the dealers — especially with unsold EVs piling up on lots all around the country,” Ray Cantor, NJBIA deputy chief government affairs officer, said in a statement. “The failure of this policy can be seen nationally as manufacturers cut back on their previous commitments to EVs and have called for a pause in any mandates.”

The New Jersey chapter of the Sierra Club, however, praised the move and said it would benefit the state’s economy in addition to reducing emissions and the associated health hazards from congestion.

“With the adoption of ACC II, New Jersey no longer has to compete with other states for [zero-emission vehicle] options given that car manufacturers are now required to meet new vehicle sale standards in our state,” Director Anjuli Ramos-Busot said in a statement. “Because of this program, we will have more consumer choice and these sales won’t go to neighboring states.”