In response to the US Senate voting to repeal California’s electric car and electric truck mandates, which ends New Jersey’s EV mandates, Eric DeGesero, advisor to NJ Motor Truck Association, NJ Propane Gas Association, and Fuel Merchants Association of NJ, issued the following statement:
‘The Congress of the United States has voted to repeal California’s EV mandates for electric cars and trucks. It is anticipated President Trump will sign the resolutions. In turn this will end the EV truck mandate that is crippling NJ small businesses and prevent the EV car mandate from taking effect in August 2026.
This is a huge win for affordability, reliability, dependability, and security.
It also sets up a clear choice in this fall’s election for Governor. As of today, the leading candidates for Governor provide a stark contrast regarding mandated electrification.
The leading Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli has publicly stated he opposes the EV mandates and Governor Murphy’s attempt to force electric heat pumps and electric stoves on us through Senate Bill 249/Assembly Bill 4844. The leading Democratic candidate Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill voted to keep the EV mandates.
EV trucks cost three times more than a regular truck, there is no place to charge them, and everything we buy moves in a truck so these increased costs will be passed along to consumers, the rate of EV car purchases in NJ fell precipitously from 2023 to 2024, and the most expensive way to heat your house winter 2025 was electric heat. Consumers and businesses should have the freedom to choose how we wish to drive, heat, and cook. As it relates to continuing Governor Murphy’s ‘electrify everything’ agenda after he leaves office, the choice for Governor this fall could not be more stark nor consequential.’
Eric DeGesero is executive vice president of the Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey
