As part of New Jersey’s efforts to address climate change and improve air quality, the Department of Environmental Protection recently adopted the Advanced Clean Truck and Fleet Reporting rules. New Jersey’s announcement came on the same day that EPA finalized federal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks for model years 2023 through 2026 (see related story).
The state’s Advanced Clean Truck rule requires manufacturers of vehicles exceeding 8,500 pounds to participate in a credit/deficit program intended to increase the percentage of zero-emission vehicles sold in New Jersey. The accompanying Fleet Reporting rule sets a one-time reporting requirement for fleets of vehicles more than 8,500 pounds that operate in New Jersey. This reporting will inform future policy decisions aimed at further curbing emissions from the transportation sector.
The newly adopted rules require each truck manufacturer selling medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in New Jersey to increase the number of electric vehicles sold in the state over time. Manufacturers generate credits by selling Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) in New Jersey or obtaining credits from another manufacturer’s sales of ZEVs in the state. Deficits attributable to a manufacturer are based on its total sales of all medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in New Jersey. The deficits incurred each year must be offset by credits beginning in 2025 and increasing every year through 2035. This will increase the total number of ZEV sales in the state.
Alongside the new rules, the state is also aggressively funding electric trucks and buses as well as charging stations. Last month, Governor Phil Murphy announced a $13.7M investment in electric buses and trucks to reduce emissions and improve air quality in overburdened communities. Since February 2021, New Jersey has committed nearly $71M in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative proceeds to purchase electric vehicles and install charging stations in environmental justice communities, which have shouldered the burden of air pollution and climate change.
For information on the DEP heavy-duty electrification efforts, click here.
