Newark Reporter

Latham Tiver, a State Senator for New Jersey, expressed concerns that government-imposed bans on gas-powered cars do not align with consumer demand. His remarks come amid growing opposition to electric vehicle mandates from auto dealers, industry lobbyists, and policymakers. Tiver made this statement at a rally on June 18, 2024.

"A ban on gas cars is widely out of step with what most Americans want," said Tiver. "The people have spoken, and they demand choice. They demand energy diversity. It's time to stand up for what the consumer wants."

New Jersey has implemented California's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) standards, which require all new light-duty vehicles sold in the state to be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) by 2035. This regulation aims to gradually transition to cleaner air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by setting annually increasing sales targets for automakers.

According to a 2023 white paper by Affordable Energy for New Jersey, the state's electric vehicle mandate could cost taxpayers $70 billion by 2035. The report, authored by Dr. Jonathan A. Lesser of Continental Economics, outlines several financial burdens associated with the mandate. These include lost gas and sales tax revenue, increased subsidies for EV purchases and charging infrastructure, and significant costs to upgrade the electrical grid. Ron Morano, Executive Director of Affordable Energy for New Jersey, warned that these expenses will primarily impact low-income residents and small businesses. He described the mandate as a "high-cost boondoggle" with "no impact on climate."

A Rutgers-Eagleton poll conducted in December 2023 revealed that half of New Jersey residents oppose the state's plan to phase out the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. Additionally, 44% of respondents anticipate a negative impact on the state's economy, while 47% believe the policy will adversely affect their personal finances.

Senator Latham Tiver represents New Jersey's 8th Legislative District, which includes parts of Burlington and Atlantic counties. Before his tenure in the Senate, Tiver served as a Southampton Township Committeeman and Burlington County Commissioner, focusing on infrastructure improvements to stimulate economic growth. In his legislative role, Tiver has sponsored bills emphasizing energy security and affordability. According to the New Jersey Senate website, this reflects his commitment to aligning energy policies with consumer interests and economic realities.