BPU Needs to Jumpstart NJ’s EV Technology

Today the New Jersey Sierra Club is attending the third New Jersey Energy Master Plan (EMP) meeting on clean and reliable transportation. New Jersey Sierra Club Director Jeff Tittel released the following statement:

“New Jersey’s biggest source of air pollution is from cars and trucks, but our state has been gridlocked when it comes to moving forward with electric vehicles. EV’s are much cheaper to operate than gas vehicles and reduce air pollution from traffic and emissions from refineries and drilling oil. Implementing a successful electric vehicle charging system in New Jersey will mean less money sent out of state for petroleum, more in-state jobs[TS1] , less carbon pollution, and cleaner, healthier air. With ZEVs we can create thousands of jobs, provide infrastructure around the states for EVs, and allow us to become leaders in EV technology. New Jersey has failed to move forward with EV technology. It’s time the BPU drives New Jersey into the 21^st century by becoming a leader in clean car technology.

“People like EV technology that is becoming cheaper and greener however; there is ‘range anxiety.’ This is why we need a network of charging stations statewide to make people more comfortable with buying and using these electric vehicles. There are currently more than 20 fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles available at US dealerships however New Jersey only has 14,000 EVs on the road. It is 70% cheaper to operate an EV than a car using gas. EV’s maintenance costs are much lower compared to gas engine cars because they don’t require parts like mufflers. We want people to feel confident that they can purchase and EV, save money, and travel through New Jersey with it.

“BPU needs to have programs to set standards for charging stations. We need to make sure that charging networks and incentives are targeted to communities that have received a disproportionate share of pollution, especially minority and low-income communities. BPU must offer opportunities for people to buy EVs of all communities, including those of modest means through rebates or ‘cash for clunkers’ programs.

“Utilities should not install charging stations where the markets can serve them. Instead, they need to be installed in under-served areas where the market won’t initially reach. BPU must implement programs to install plug-in stations along with providing things like zip cars, ride shares, and taxis to encourage EV’s that everyone can afford. We can tax luxury, gas-guzzling vehicles or a carbon tax on fuels to pay for rebates. This will help create jobs and move our state forward with an automobile that has zero emissions and decrease fossil fuels.

“BPU must implement clean transportation programs so that our school children can ride in cleaner, quieter, and healthier school buses that are powered by electricity. This is especially important for children who live in urban areas already overburdened by air pollution. Busses will benefit all mass transit riders, as well as anyone living in the city where they run without released air toxins.

“The BPU and the DEP need to work together if we want to reach New Jersey’s goal of 330,000 EVs on the road by 2025. New Jersey accepted $72 million settlement from the Volkswagen Mitigation Trust. Murphy needs to maximize the amount of VW settlement funds dedicated to building our EV infrastructure  so that New Jersey can create a network of charging stations and guarantee the right-to charge.

“The Department of Community Affairs can also ensure all new construction includes charging stations in our building codes as well as in renovations. Building codes should require new buildings to be EV-ready and state and municipal fleets should be electrified, especially buses. We can have the Economic Development Authority require any project with state funding to have charging stations. Residents should have right-to-charge where people can petition their landlord or condo association for private charging station or pay for a public charging station.

“We can electrify our ports, especially in urban areas, with electric busses to reduce air pollution in areas already highly affected. We can use electric vehicles for commuter and school transportation in and around the ports including moving goods and containers. New Jersey can start using electric and hybrid garbage trucks too. BPU can also incentivize both renewable energy and EV’s by installing solar panels on parking decks. We can use cars and buses as battery storage and charge cars at night to avoid putting pressure on the grid.

“To reach the important goal of 330,000 EVs on the road by 2025, we must make it possible for everyone to buy an EV and for everyone to be able to use them across the state.We also need a program for EVs similar to RGGI like the Transportation and Climate Initiatives  that would encourage Murphy to fully participate in the development of a regional cap and invest program.  We need to use legislation to advance EVs and especially EV infrastructure in our state. We need pass legislation like S2252 (Smith) which establishes statewide public plug-in electric vehicle charging system, S2382 (Smith) which establishes electric vehicle rebate program and S2421 (Smith)/A1030 (Johnson) which requires community associations to allow installation of electric vehicle charging stations. We are also working on a broader, comprehensive bill.

“Our state used to be a leader in innovation and transportation and can be again in clean transportation. For starters, the BPU needs to go out and educate the public about EV technology. We can see the benefits of clean air and clean jobs if the BPU builds a state-wide network of charging stations, create green jobs, save people money on gas, and reduce air pollution. 45% of New Jersey’s greenhouse gases come from mobile sources but these emissions can be easily cut by implementing EV technology. It’s critical that the BPU works now if we want to reach Governor Murphy’s clean energy goals by 2050.”