Smith, Bateman Bill to Encourage Development of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Advances

Trenton – In an effort to make charging electric vehicles more accessible, the Senate Environment and Energy Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Senators Bob Smith and Kip Bateman that would facilitate the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The bill, S-3223, would provide that electric vehicle charging infrastructure is an inherently beneficial use of land pursuant to the “Municipal Land Use Law” with expedited minor site plan approval at the local level.

“Our goal is that by 2025, we will have 330,000 registered electric cars in New Jersey, and in order to meet this goal, we must plan accordingly when it comes to vehicle charging infrastructure,” said Senator Smith (D-Middlesex/Somerset), who chairs the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. “Like wind and solar energy production, electric vehicle charging is an inherently beneficial use as it benefits the public good and promotes the general welfare of a community.  This bill will codify that into law, making it easier to build charging stations, and in turn, helping us to reach our goal for more electric cars within the state.”

Under the bill, electric vehicle charging infrastructure would be a permitted accessory use and permitted accessory structure in all zoning or use districts and would not require the need for a variance.

“Encouraging people to switch to electric vehicles is a critical element of our state’s plan to reduce pollution and improve the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink,” said Senator Bateman (R-Somerset). “As electric vehicles become more popular, we need to ensure that access to charging infrastructure continues to keep pace with the growing needs of drivers. Cutting red tape in the approval process will ensure that EV charging stations can be built quickly wherever they are needed.”

The bill was released from committee by a vote of 5-0.