PRESS RELEASE - November 21, 2023
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New Jersey Adopts Life-Saving Advanced Clean Cars II Standards
The Garden State joins ten other states in a popular program to reduce toxic tailpipe pollution and protect public health and the environment
Trenton — Today, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy can claim another win in advancing strong climate and clean air policy with the finalization of the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) standards, which will go into effect with model year 2027 light-duty vehicles. ACCII sets the state on a path for a gradual transition to cleaner air and lower greenhouse gas emissions by setting annually increasing sales targets for automakers, so that every new light-duty vehicle sold in New Jersey will be a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) by 2035.
New Jersey is the newest state to join the popular ACCII program, following quickly on the heels of New Mexico, which finalized just last week. New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, Maryland, Vermont, Colorado, New Mexico, Washington, Oregon, and California have already officially adopted the standards. Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Maine are in the adoption process, with finalization anticipated by the end of the year.
The transportation sector accounts for nearly 46% of the state’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making it the largest emissions source in the state. GHG emissions exacerbate the climate crisis and increase the risk of more extreme weather events, including hurricanes and heat waves, that further degrade air quality and put communities in every corner of New Jersey at risk. Tailpipe emissions also contain harmful pollutants that cause increased risk of asthma, lung disease and cancer. In New Jersey specifically, 13 out of 15 counties that reported air quality data received poor grades from the American Lung Association due to high ozone days.
According to ERM research, the ACC II program will create up to $97 billion in net societal benefits for New Jerseyans by 2050, which includes cumulative savings on avoided healthcare costs, lower vehicle operating costs, and lower electricity rates for all customers.
In response to today’s announcement, New Jersey clean air advocates released the following statements:
"This is a big moment for cleaner cars in New Jersey. Electric vehicles are reaching an inflection point, and as we are experiencing likely the hottest year on record yet, now is the time to reduce climate pollution,” said Doug O’Malley, Director of Environment New Jersey. “New Jersey was one of the first states to adopt Clean Cars standards 20 years ago and today’s decision for New Jersey to join the bevy of other states to adopt the latest Clean Cars standards will put 40% of the nation’s auto market on a pathway to accelerated EV adoption. The Governor, the entire Murphy Administration and the NJDEP deserve tremendous credit for adopting the program this year, ensuring that more electric vehicles will be available for New Jersey drivers.”
“The transportation sector is the largest source of climate-harming pollution in New Jersey, generating roughly 40% of our emissions. For the air quality and public health improvements alone, it’s key that we adopt the Advanced Car II standards,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey LCV. “Not only do EVs cost less over their lifespan than a dirty fossil-fuel powered car, they do not spew out toxic pollutants that affect the health of our communities. This is a critical moment for New Jersey to join the wave of states moving towards a clean transportation future and to ensure New Jersey can access the full range of economic and public health benefits of the transition.”
“By making cleaner vehicles more available to local consumers, the state is investing in a cleaner future and its zero-emission vehicle market, which has continued to grow and create high-quality, local jobs,” said Uchenna Bright, Northeast Advocate, E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs). “Over the last two years, employment in New Jersey’s clean vehicle sector grew 40 percent. This rule will cultivate even more local job opportunities for New Jersey residents.”
“Advanced Clean Cars II addresses the largest source of pollution in New Jersey and will go a long way toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality,” said Alex Ambrose, Policy Analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective (NJPP). “With recent advances in technology, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids have never been safer, cleaner, or more efficient than they are now. By promoting electric and fuel-efficient cars, the Murphy administration is taking meaningful steps to reduce our carbon footprint, lower smog-forming emissions, and decrease our reliance on fossil fuels.”
“Ceres applauds New Jersey for adopting the ACCII rule and setting a clear roadmap to guide businesses, consumers, and the auto industry toward a clean vehicle future,” said Alli Gold Roberts, senior director for state policy at Ceres. “New Jersey has again proven its role as a climate leader, and communities will all benefit from reduced pollution and the lower fuel and maintenance costs of EVs.”
“As a company headquartered in New Jersey, Avocado Green Brands applauds the state’s adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II rule,” said John Davies, Senior Director, Brand Editorial and Sustainability at Avocado Green Brands. “We recognize the climate crisis as a constant threat to economic sustainability, as well as to the wellbeing of our people and planet. Because transportation is the leading source of emissions in New Jersey and nationwide, we thank Governor Murphy for ensuring all New Jerseyans are able to reap the benefits of cleaner transportation options."
"As a network of companies committed to advancing market innovation and policy change for a more sustainable economy, we applaud the decision to adopt ACCII standards," said Richard Lawton, Executive Director of the NJ Sustainable Business Council. "Consumers and companies are experiencing first-hand how EV’s are cleaner, technologically superior, and less costly to operate and maintain than internal combustion engines. By accelerating the growth of the EV market, ACCII will spur continued investment and innovation in the transition to a clean energy transportation sector. Thanks to this decision, New Jersey can look forward to increased economic development, more good paying jobs, and cleaner air."
“As a New Jersey-based company founded on the principles of equitable economic, social, and environmental sustainability, driven by actions that benefit healthier jobs, businesses and communities, Hugo Neu recognizes that the future of passenger transport is electric,” said Dominique Lueckenhoff, Executive Vice-President for Corporate Affairs, EHS & Sustainability, Director, Climate & Envirotech Innovation. “The Murphy Administration's adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II rule is an essential step toward ensuring that New Jersey businesses and consumers alike can enjoy the economic, health, and environmental benefits of cleaner transportation options while reducing GHG emissions and improving air quality to better protect our overburdened communities. We thank Governor Murphy’s administration for joining this important initiative.”
“As a business at the forefront of emobility solutions, we see firsthand that technology and market demand are ready to support the transition to clean vehicles,” said Ryan Dalton, Siemens Head of External Affairs and Policy—Northeast/Mid-Atlantic. “Strong state standards that set clear expectations for market growth over the coming years are key to managing the transition and meeting escalating consumer demand. We applaud Governor Murphy and his adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II rule in New Jersey because it is the best way to attract investment and provide predictability for manufacturers, companies, workforces, and consumers alike."
“The adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) program in New Jersey is a historic and monumental step in our transition toward a cleaner transportation sector, and carbon and co-pollutant emission reductions. ACC II will provide increased consumer choice to make EV’s more accessible to New Jersey residents. This is a huge win not only for the environment, but for public health and the communities who suffer everyday from the pollution from congested roadways,” said Anjuli Ramos-Busot, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “The Sierra Club and our environmental partners have gathered thousands of signatures in support of this rule, and today’s adoption shows that the will of the people is powerful and that when we come together, we win. We are proud to have been a part of this movement and thank the NJDEP and Governor Murphy for prioritizing New Jersey’s public health. We look forward to seeing a lot more zero emission vehicles on our roads in the very near future.”
“The electric vehicle revolution is upon us, and the benefits are far-reaching — even for those who never plan to get behind the wheel of an EV. By adopting Advanced Clean Cars II standards, New Jersey is making a commitment to cleaner air, improved public health, and climate change mitigation," said Kathy Harris, Senior Clean Vehicles and Fuels Advocate, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). "Thanks to these standards, New Jersey will have avoided at least 175 premature deaths and at least 170 hospital visits from polluted air by 2050. The program will also bring cost-savings to New Jersey vehicle owners of nearly $60 billion by 2050.”
“Justice accelerated is justice approved. Kudos to the Murphy Administration for getting this rule done in relative record time to ensure we don't lose another year of more air pollution poisoning lungs,” said Kim Gaddy, Founder, Newark’s South Ward Environmental Alliance (also National Environmental Justice Director, Clean Water Action).
“This Clean Cars rule now puts us in the fast lane to a green economy, electric vehicles and healthier lungs,” said Amy Goldsmith, New Jersey State Director, Clean Water Action. “It is absolutely essential to public health especially in overburdened communities and puts New Jersey in league with other leading states demanding cleaner air now.”
“This rule is the latest, biggest step envisioned 20 years ago when Governor McGreevey signed the Clean Cars Act into law with my asthmatic then 7 yr old daughter (now 27 helping to implement ObamaCare), Senate President Bennett (R-Monmouth) and Congressman Adler (D-Camden, RIP) standing by his side. It's the gift that keeps on giving, a healthier future for our kids and grandkids ” said Empower NJ's David Pringle.
“We applaud the Murphy Administration for adopting the Advanced Clean Cars II rule," said Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich, Co-Founder and CEO of Newark-based ZAGO Manufacturing Co. "As a sustainable manufacturer making sustainable sealing fasteners for a more sustainable world, combating climate change is critical to our mission. Increasing access to zero-emission vehicles for businesses and consumers is an important next step to achieve cleaner air, healthier communities and a greener economy."
"This is very special moment for New Jersey as we join other states adopting ACC rule II. Our cars are responsible for 40% of CO2 emissions and electrification of our transportation sector is now viable way of achieving our climate, air pollution and equity goals. We must continue in our collective journey making sure that future generations can enjoy the same natural resources as our generation," said Stan Jaraczs, Acting President of the NJ Electric Vehicle Association.
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