New Jersey’s Move To Prohibit Sale of Gas Powered Cars by 2035
New Jersey is making a bold move to reduce its carbon emissions and improve air quality. The state has announced that it will ban the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. This is the first state in the U.S. to take such a drastic step.
The ban will be phased in over the next decade. Starting in 2027, 43% of all new cars sold in New Jersey must be zero-emission vehicles. This percentage will increase to 100% by 2035.
The ban is part of Governor Phil Murphy’s plan to reduce New Jersey’s greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey, so transitioning to electric vehicles is a critical step in achieving this goal.
The ban has been met with mixed reactions. Some people are excited about the prospect of cleaner air and a healthier environment. Others are concerned about the cost of electric vehicles and the availability of charging stations.
Despite the concerns, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is confident that the ban is achievable. The DEP has already begun investing in the infrastructure needed to support a fleet of electric vehicles. The state has installed over 4,000 charging stations, and it plans to install more in the coming years.
The ban on gasoline-powered vehicles is a major step forward for New Jersey and for the fight against climate change. Other states are likely to follow suit in the coming years.
Here are some of the potential benefits of the ban:
- Reduced air pollution: Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, which will help to improve air quality in New Jersey.
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Electric vehicles are powered by electricity, which is typically produced from cleaner sources than gasoline. This will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Increased energy independence: Electric vehicles are not reliant on fossil fuels, which are a finite resource. This will help to increase New Jersey’s energy independence.
- Improved public health: Electric vehicles are quieter than gasoline-powered vehicles, which can help to reduce noise pollution. This can have a number of health benefits, including improved sleep quality and reduced stress levels.
Here are some of the potential challenges of the ban:
- The cost of electric vehicles: Electric vehicles are typically more expensive than gasoline-powered vehicles. This could make it difficult for some people to afford to buy an electric vehicle.
- The availability of charging stations: There are not enough charging stations in New Jersey to support a fleet of electric vehicles. This could make it difficult for people to find a place to charge their vehicles.
- Range anxiety: Some people are concerned about the range of electric vehicles. This is the distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge. However, the range of electric vehicles is improving all the time.
Despite the challenges, the ban on gasoline-powered vehicles is a necessary step to protect the environment and public health. New Jersey is leading the way in the fight against climate change, and other states are likely to follow suit in the coming years.