New Jersey
Electric vehicle mandate puts N.J. consumers in impossible position | Opinion
Opinion: With inadequate charging infrastructure and declining federal support, New Jersey’s ambitious EV sales requirements threaten to worsen affordability crisis and limit consumer choice.John Kuntz, cleveland. com
By Michael Egenton
The federal government is on a path to completely upend the entire global auto industry with tariffs and sweeping policy changes that reverse years of climate investments.
The electric vehicle (EV) sector will be hit hard if the federal government rescinds tax credits for consumers and continues stopping investment in charging infrastructure around the country. A growing sector that saw more consumers choosing EVs now faces mounting uncertainty moving forward, as does the path to achieving our state’s climate goals.
This context cannot be ignored as Gov. Phil Murphy and state legislators discuss the future of climate policy and what these changes will mean for consumer prices and choice.
As a lifelong New Jerseyan, I take pride in supporting our climate ambitions, but we need to be practical when turning these aspirations into policy solutions.
Several years ago, the state adopted California’s Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) standards in an entirely different environment and if it is enforced as written, it will almost certainly exacerbate the affordability crisis consumers and families are already experiencing.
In 2024, only about one in seven new cars sold in New Jersey was electric. Under the ZEV mandate, electric vehicle sales must reach at least 43% by model year 2027 and 100% by 2035.
This means that for every 10 cars available to consumers on a dealer lot, four must be electric in 2027, and every one must be electric by 2035.
While this is a good goal to set, it fails to consider changing economic circumstances, consumer demand, and the state of our charging infrastructure.
All parties working towards these goals need more flexibility in how to achieve them, not a rigid mandate and harsh penalties.
This mandate will fundamentally change the car-buying experience, as consumers will have fewer choices for cars that fit their needs and budget.
Additionally, with fewer gas-powered cars on dealer lots, many buyers will turn to the used car market, driving prices up in a way similar to the COVID-19 pandemic and making car ownership even less attainable.
ACC II would make sense if the goal were to merely increase the availability of EVs, but the primary obstacle to a real and sustainable transition to EV adoption isn’t supply – it’s demand, which is impacted by the fact that our infrastructure is not ready to take on such an ambitious mandate.
Recent studies have shown that consumer demand for EVs is not yet where it needs to be to hit the 43% threshold. Without adequate charging access, purchasing an EV is simply impractical for some, especially for people in rural and low-income communities where charging stations are even scarcer.
While EV demand and state-level investment in the necessary infrastructure are generally increasing, the progress ultimately falls short in this moment relative to the ACC II targets. In fact, New Jersey ranked worst in the nation in terms of the ratio of charging stations to registered EVs.
Instead of fostering a natural transition to EVs, the mandate will effectively force consumers to choose an EV over a gas-powered car even if it does not make sense for their needs or budget.
Additionally, the limited availability of new gas-powered cars will inflate demand and spike prices in the used car market. Ultimately, consumers will be forced to purchase more expensive vehicles at a time when the cost of living is already forcing families to make tough choices about everyday needs.
This will push people to buy cars out of state so they can choose the car they want and avoid higher prices, undercutting New Jersey’s auto market and threatening local jobs.
Recognizing these very issues with the ACC II mandate and aiming to protect Maryland consumers from increased costs, Maryland Governor Wes Moore just issued an executive order delaying penalties for auto manufacturers for model years 2027 and 2028. New Jersey must follow suit to prevent the affordability crisis in the state from worsening.
While it is important to remain committed to our climate goals, a successful transition to clean transportation requires thoughtful, pragmatic policy and adequate time to build infrastructure and center consumer choice. We have an opportunity to move toward a cleaner, stronger future the right and responsible way, but without delaying ACC II’s implementation, our state’s consumers will bear the costs.
Calling your elected representative in the state Assembly or Senate is the most effective way to influence policy. To find your state Assemblymember and Senator to voice your position, go to the New Jersey Legislature website’s Legislative Roster.
Michael Egenton is executive vice president of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
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Is there anything better than going out for breakfast? I mean, sure, you can make bacon, eggs, and toast at home, but there’s just something relaxing about going out to a Jersey Diner and getting your coffee in a plain white mug, looking over a massive menu, and feeling the back of your legs stick to the pleather booth.
Jersey loves a good breakfast spot.
A New Breakfast Chain Is Coming To NJ, With 2 Locations Planned
And there’s a new breakfast chain getting ready to open two locations in New Jersey that promise an elevated breakfast experience, which could be perfect for your next brunch.
And this new elevated breakfast concept is being run by a mother-son duo, who don’t love seeing that?
The Maple House Is Coming Soon To New Jersey
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According to NJ.com, Monmouth County natives Anthony DeGrande and his mother, Lisa Dalton, are the brains behind Monmouth County’s newest breakfast place, The Maple House.
The Maple House will specialize in an elevated breakfast experience, whipping up menu items such as cookie butter pancakes, a braised short rib melt, and addictive salads. The Maple House will be a great new addition to the New Jersey breakfast scene.
The Maple House Is Planning 2 NJ Locations
The Maple House already has big expansion plans, too. The first location is getting ready to open sometime in May off Oceanport Avenue in Fort Monmouth, but there are already plans in place for a second location.
The Maple House also plans on debuting in Neptune, off of South Main Street, in the near future as well.
18 Best Places In New Jersey To Get A Pork Roll Egg And Cheese Sandwich
It’s called Pork Roll, first off, and these are the 18 best restaurants and delis. and diners to get a PEC in the Garden State
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PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) — One person was killed and three others were injured in a shooting in Paterson.
The violence erupted around 6:30 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of East 29th Street and 10th Avenue.
Children nearby gasped in horror at the sound of rapid gunfire. They were just about to sing Happy Birthday to their 13-year-old friend at her backyard party, but instead of blowing out the candles, they ducked for cover when they heard gunshots in the distance.
“Just hearing it – it was scary to witness, to hear. Especially on my birthday. Like a time I’m trying to play with my friends, get together,” said the 13-year-old.
She also says she had a friend who was there who saw what happened.
“He was going to the bodega – he went running back, but he had saw two people come out of a car and then shoot, but it was like an automatic gun,” she added.
Bystanders watched in shock and panic as first responders treated the victims. One of them was lying in the street next to a car and another was on the ground next to a bicycle.
Local councilman Luis Velez says the City of Paterson has taken measures to reduce crime in this part of town – what he calls a ‘hotspot’ — in part by installing security cameras. He is encouraging the community to cooperate.
“Paterson Police is doing their job as I know, they’re doing a great job to reduce crime, but one again we, the police, nobody, not even the news media has a crystal ball to say this is going to happen now,” Velez said, “Some people see corners getting built up, they see activities and they’re afraid to come out and say something, but our police department is trained to keep it confidential and approach to bring the quality of life in this area.”
The 13-year-old hopes her next birthday party is not ruined by the sound of gunshots.
“First we thought it was fireworks, but then we heard sirens and everyone started going home because they were scared,” she added.
Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Let’s be honest, we didn’t need a national list to tell us this. New Jersey has the best restaurants, the best food, and some of the most talented chefs anywhere in America.
It’s something locals have been saying forever, and now the rest of the country is catching up. Still, it’s always nice to see that recognition on a big stage.
We Already Knew New Jersey Was the Best
USA TODAY’s 2026 Restaurants of the Year list highlights standout dining destinations across the country.
From humble roadside gems to chef-driven hotspots earning major buzz, the list celebrates places that truly stand out, and New Jersey showed up in a big way.
Three New Jersey Spots Earn National Recognition
This year, three Garden State restaurants made the prestigious list:
- The Pasta Shop – Denville
- Ram & Rooster – Metuchen
- Anjelica’s – Sea Bright
And yes, that includes a Jersey Shore favorite, because of course it does.
These restaurants represent everything people love about dining in New Jersey, quality, creativity, and flavors that keep you coming back.
A Jersey Shore Standout Shines
There’s something special about seeing a Jersey Shore restaurant included among the best in America. It’s not just about great food, it’s about the full experience, the atmosphere, and that unmistakable local charm.
Anjelica’s in Sea Bright earning a spot only reinforces what shore locals already know: some of the best meals you’ll ever have are right here, close to home.
No Surprise, Just Well-Deserved
At the end of the day, this recognition feels less like a surprise and more like confirmation. New Jersey’s food scene has always been top-tier, and lists like this just make it official.
Keep Reading: Beloved New Jersey Restaurant is Closing
So whether you’re heading to Denville, Metuchen, or down the shore, you already know, you’re in for something special.
PHOTOS: Step Inside a 1970s Kitchen — 34 Things You’ll Recognize
From Tupperware jugs (you know the ones) to those ever-present knife sharpeners, let’s take a nostalgic trip back to the quintessential ’70s kitchen.
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
If You Grew Up in the ’70s and ’80s, These Foods Were Super Fancy
From Babybels to Toblerone chocolate, take a nostalgic bite out of these ‘fancy’ childhood foods that made us feel way more elegant than we really were.
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
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