Michele Matsikoudis, a New Jersey assemblywoman, expressed that consumers, rather than the executive branch, should guide car policy decisions. She warned that sweeping mandates could place a burden on working families.
“Instituting sweeping mandates is not how we achieve this goal,” said Matsikoudis, District 21. “I do not support policies that could price working families out of their ability to afford a car. Consumers should be the ones charting the path forward here, not the executive branch.”
According to the official site of the State of New Jersey, in November 2023, Governor Phil Murphy’s administration adopted the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) rule. This regulation mandates that all new car sales in New Jersey be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. The rule, starting with the 2027 model year, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, particularly in high-traffic areas. The policy aligns New Jersey with other states pursuing aggressive climate goals.
A Rutgers-Eagleton poll conducted in December 2023 found that 56% of New Jersey residents are unlikely to purchase an electric vehicle (EV), citing high costs, charging logistics, and inadequate infrastructure as primary concerns. The likelihood of considering an EV increases with household income and educational attainment, indicating socioeconomic disparities in EV adoption. These concerns highlight potential challenges in achieving the state’s electrification targets.
As reported by the official site of the State of New Jersey, as of September 2024, New Jersey had approximately 207,268 registered electric vehicles. This figure more than doubled from 91,515 at the end of 2022. Despite this growth, EVs still represent a small fraction of the state’s total vehicle registrations, indicating significant progress is needed to meet the 2035 mandate. The state continues to invest in incentives and infrastructure to support this transition.
Matsikoudis represents New Jersey’s 21st Legislative District in the General Assembly. A former Summit City Council member and community volunteer, she has focused her legislative work on public safety, education, and fiscal responsibility. Matsikoudis is also known for her opposition to statewide EV mandates, emphasizing affordability and consumer choice.
