New Jersey Democrat Governor Phil Murphy announced the state will completely phase out the sales of gas-powered cars by 2035.

The move places New Jersey on the same path taken by New York and California, pushing the radical climate change agenda onto its residents.

“Governor Phil Murphy and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette today announced the filing of the Advanced Clean Cars II rule for adoption on December 18, setting the state on the road toward better air quality and cleaner choices for new car buyers while combatting the worsening climate crisis,” Governor Murphy’s office announced this week.

“New Jersey joins a growing number of states that are requiring vehicle manufacturers to make zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) an increasing percentage of their new light-duty vehicle sales beginning in model year 2027, ramping up to 100% ZEVs by 2035,” the announcement added.

“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.

“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,” said Commissioner LaTourette.

“As New Jersey transitions to a zero-emission vehicle future, we will improve our quality of life and public health. At the same time, we will reduce climate pollutants from the transportation sector, the greatest source of planet-warming pollution in New Jersey and the nation,” LaTourette added.

“The ban won’t improve air quality or change the weather. It will just make driving more expensive and less convenient, and reduce your standard of living,” Steve Milloy said.

Governor Murphy’s office stated:

The rule does not impose obligations on consumers or car dealers and provides compliance flexibilities for manufacturers. It requires manufacturers of passenger cars and light-duty trucks to meet an annual ZEV requirement intended to increase the percentage of electric vehicles sold in New Jersey. The rule also ensures that traditional gasoline- and diesel-fueled vehicles are manufactured to meet more stringent exhaust emission standards, which will positively impact air quality in New Jersey communities, especially those near high-traffic corridors. The rule will take effect starting in model year 2027, providing time for auto industry transition and continued development of charging infrastructure and a more robust and cleaner electrical grid in New Jersey. It 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 and consumer choice.

The Hill reports:

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.

The rule won’t do anything to protect the environment.

It only serves to make life more difficult for the working class by ridding the market of more economical vehicles.

The New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) criticized the rule and said it doesn’t solve the lack of demand for electric vehicles.

Many Americans simply don’t want to drive an electric car.

Yet, the New Jersey governor wants to unilaterally decide what vehicles are available on the market.

“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, according to The Hill.

“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,” he added.

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