The Murphy Administration unveiled a state-wide municipal ordinance to make it easier for local approvals of convenient, cost-effective charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
The model ordinance, which provides minimum requirements and guidance for electrification, stems from legislation signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in July, and is effective immediately in the state’s 565 municipalities.
“Making smart investments in our transportation infrastructure, such as encouraging electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the state, will help build a stronger, fairer, and greener New Jersey for generations to come,” said the governor.
Climate Change
Nearly 40% of New Jersey’s climate pollution stems from transportation emissions, according to the Governor’s Office.
“The transportation sector is New Jersey’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, impacting air quality and generating more climate pollution,” said DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “It is vital that we facilitate New Jersey’s rapid transition to an electric vehicle future, which will improve air quality, particularly in communities most overburdened by pollution, and reduce the harmful greenhouse gas emissions that continue fueling climate change.”
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“The steps we are taking across the Murphy Administration will move us closer to a clean energy future and help us to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.”
DEP, DCA, BPU Working Together
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Community of Affairs (DCA), and the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) collaborated on the statewide municipal ordinances to ensure electric vehicle supply/service equipment (EVSE) and make-ready parking spaces would be permitted uses in all areas of the state.
The idea behind the law was to alleviate “range anxiety,” in which consumers fear they will be stuck without a charging station when taking a vehicle on longer trips.
Several sections of the ordinance are directives from the July law and cannot be altered, including requirements for approvals and permits, but others could be adjusted to address health and safety factors.
“New Jersey municipalities are on the front lines of the climate crisis, both in responding to its impacts and leading the charge to reduce their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions,” said Lt. Governor and DCA Commissioner Sheila Oliver. “This statewide municipal ordinance provides them with consistent guidance on how to make those changes in the most efficient and cost-effective way and is a big step toward ensuring that our communities are ready for a carbon-neutral future.”
Addressing through Legislation
In July, Murphy signed legislations that would invest more than $100 million in clean and equitable transportation, with a focus on limiting emissions under Climate Pollutant Reduction (CPR) rules.
“Earlier this year, I announced an investment of more than $100 million in clean, equitable transportation projects to improve air quality and reduce the effects of climate change while moving New Jersey towards 100% clean energy by 2050,” said Murphy.
The move folded into a larger effort in New Jersey under President Biden’s Executive Order targeting car and truck admissions. Half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 are to be electric, and new emissions standards would cut pollution through 2026.
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