McKeon, Benson, Kennedy and Johnson Bill Establishing Clean Vehicle Task Force Clears Assembly Panel

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen John McKeon, Daniel Benson, James Kennedy and Gordon Johnson creating the ‘Clean Vehicle Task Force’ was advanced by the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee on Thursday.

“It is imperative that we research the most effective ways to implement clean vehicles in New Jersey,” said McKeon (D-Essex/Morris). “Otherwise, the Gardens of our State may be no more.”

The bill (A-1223) establishes a 13-member body whose responsibility is to evaluate issues connected with the promotion, development and use of clean vehicles, and subsequently make policy recommendations to the governor and the legislature.

“This is necessary not only to improve our environment, but for the economy as well,” said Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “New Jersey should be a leader in the green economy, and this bill will help us achieve these goals.”

The bill also clarifies that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will continue to implement the California Low Emission Vehicle program and the California zero emission vehicle requirements, which has been codified in state law since 2009, and bans the established task force from recommending to discontinue these programs.

“We are facing an environmental crisis,” said Kennedy (D-Middlesex/Somerset/Union). “We must clean up our air and our streets in order for future New Jerseyans to not only survive, but thrive.”

“Soon, zero-emission vehicles will become the norm,” said Johnson (D-Bergen). “New Jersey must be at the forefront of determining the most effective and environmentally friendly ways to incorporate hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric vehicles into our society.”