SC on Lobby Day- NJ Needs to Pass EV Legislation Now

Today the NJ Sierra Club along with other environmental groups part of the Jersey Renews coalition hosted a lobby day to urge legislators to pass the electric vehicle bill S2252 (Smith) /A4819(Benson).  This legislation is critical because it will help our put a charge in electric vehicles and reduce air pollution and fossil fuels. Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, released the following statement:

“We have been fighting to get electric vehicles on the road in New Jersey for 20 years. Passing this comprehensive bill is important to move EV technology forward however we should not be taking the tires off this legislation. We need to make sure the S2252(Smith) will provide efficient funding mechanisms for rebates, move forward on electrifying NJ Transit, and create a comprehensive program to achieve getting 2 million EV’s on the road by 2035.

“We need to jumpstart electric by implementing a successful electric vehicle system in New Jersey will mean less money sent out of state for petroleum, more in-state jobs, less carbon pollution, and cleaner, healthier air. 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.

“Funds used for rebates in this legislation should only go to rebates and nothing else. Money for rebates should also be coming from a variety of sources so that the state is not relying on just one. New Jersey needs to 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. We need to make sure that offer opportunities for people to buy EVs of all communities, including those of modest means through rebates or ‘cash for clunkers’ programs.

“We need to make sure that charging networks and incentives are targeted to communities that have received a disproportionate share of pollution, especially Environmental Justice and communities of modest means. It is also important to provide job training on electric vehicles and installing charging stations in these communities. We should also be giving incentives or priority to charging stations that use energy that are tied to solar projects.

“We can see the benefits of clean air and clean jobs if New Jersey builds a state-wide network of charging stations, create green jobs, save people money on gas, and reduce air pollution. Legislation like S2252 (Smith) must require BPU to install at least 600 of fast chargers as well as public community chargers in over 300 locations across the state in the next two years. We should have fast chargers at level 4.

“NJ Transit should be required to buy EV buses by 2025. These buses have to be electric, we should not be playing games with buses that are not 100% electric. Other cities like San Francisco are moving forward on electrifying their transit system, so can New Jersey. NJ Transit should be 100% by 2030, we should not be playing games with our buses.

“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. These emissions can be easily cut by implementing EV technology. Our state used to be a leader in innovation and transportation and can be again in clean transport. It’s critical that our state legislators and Murphy Administration work to move forward on comprehensive and effective legislation that will make EV’s a reality for New Jersey,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.