Testa: Governor Murphy’s Extreme EV Mandate Could Disproportionately Hurt Rural New Jerseyans

Senator Michael Testa criticized the Murphy administration for filing a series of misguided electric vehicle regulations that bans the sale of gas-powered vehicles. The proposed transition to all-electric vehicles by 2035 could have devastating effects on the farming, fishing, energy, and manufacturing industries in the first legislative district, said the senator.

“Governor Murphy’s extreme electric vehicle mandate could disproportionately hurt rural New Jerseyans. The infrastructure needed to support charging electric vehicles is not evenly distributed throughout the State and it is not easily accessible in most rural communities in South Jersey,” said Testa (R-1). “Forcing this foolish transition to all-electric vehicles could not only lead to job losses and economic instability, but it also jeopardizes the job security of mechanics and auto shops, local gas stations, and the used car market. Not to mention the older residents and businesses that live and operate in my district that may have difficulty trying to adapt to the new regulations if certain shops or gas stations go out of business.”

Governor Murphy’s Department of Environmental Protection filed the Advanced Clean Cars II rule today, which mandates all new car sales in New Jersey to be electric by 2035. To meet this target, more than half of all new car sales in New Jersey must be electric by 2027.

“It’s no secret that Governor Murphy likes to follow California’s lead, but this mandate fails to consider the serious impact that producing and disposing of electric vehicle batteries has on the environment,” Testa continued. “Failing to sufficiently address these concerns could have a devastating environmental impact on South Jersey farms, fisheries, and manufacturers.”

Senator Testa characterized Governor Murphy’s ill-conceived energy priorities as a “disaster plan” for the State and is exploring legislation to protect rural South Jersey communities from the governor’s costly electric vehicle mandate.

“Rural communities deserve to choose whether to drive a gas-powered car, electric vehicle, or hybrid. Governor Murphy and the Democrats should not be making this choice for them,” Testa concluded. “Residents living in the rural areas of New Jersey are most at risk of being hurt by this disastrous mandate.