Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) is a regulatory framework adopted by New Jersey in November 2023 that mandates a transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) for new light-duty vehicle sales. 51% of 2027 model year vehicles (which go on sale in 2026) must be ZEVs (EVs, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen-fueled vehicles). The percentage increases steadily until 2035, when 100% of all new vehicle sales must be ZEVs.

Mikie Sherrill’s Position

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill strongly supports New Jersey’s ACC II framework and Governor Phil Murphy’s 2035 clean energy goals. Sherrill has signaled she would continue Murphy’s energy and transportation policies, which include the phase-out of gasoline-powered vehicle sales by 2035, increased electrification, and substantial investment in renewable sources such as solar and wind. Her legislative actions show support for California-style clean car regulations: she voted against H.J.Res.88, which would have overturned the EPA’s approval of California’s Advanced Clean Cars II rule and, by extension, New Jersey’s adoption.

Sherrill’s campaign rhetoric emphasizes expanding community solar projects, utilizing underused spaces for clean energy generation, and increasing consumer incentives for purchasing electric vehicles. She has stated a commitment to making clean and affordable energy “accessible like never before,” arguing that ACC II will provide long-term health, environmental, and economic benefits for New Jersey residents.

However, Sherrill’s support for ACC II comes with controversy. Critics argue the policy could drive up energy and vehicle costs, especially as New Jersey’s grid infrastructure is challenged to meet future demand. Even among Democrats, there is growing concern that the aggressive clean car mandates could be costly and disruptive. Sherrill’s stance remains unwavering in prioritizing environmental action and electrification, signaling a continuation, rather than a deviation, from Murphy’s legacy.

Jack Ciattarelli’s Position

Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli takes a distinctly critical stance toward ACC II and the broader push for rapid vehicle electrification. Ciattarelli argues that the ACC II mandate is an overreach of executive power—a “California-style mandate” being imposed on New Jersey without proper legislative oversight. He’s joined with Republican leaders in calling for public legislative hearings on the rule, instead of administrative adoption by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Ciattarelli’s public comments stress the risks of higher costs for consumers, limitations in EV infrastructure (particularly charging stations), and concerns that banning new gasoline vehicles will hurt working-class families and small businesses. He champions a slower, market-driven transition to cleaner vehicles, voicing support for “all-of-the-above” energy solutions, including natural gas and nuclear as part of the mix, rather than full-scale electrification paired with renewables.

Ciattarelli points to the grid’s inability to handle the surge in power demand anticipated from mass EV adoption and warns that consumers could face unreliable service and sharply rising energy bills. He has joined other opponents in calling the ACC II rules “restrictive” and believes the transition should be directed by legislative consensus and consumer demand, not mandates.

Summary Table: Sherrill vs. Ciattarelli on ACC II

Sources

1. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. (2023). Drive Green NJ: Advanced Clean Cars II. https://dep.nj.gov/drivegreen/accii/
   
2. The Falcon Group. (2023, November 22). New Jersey Adopts New Advanced Clean Cars II Rule. https://www.thefalcongroup.us/new-jersey-adopts-new-advanced-clean-cars-ii-rule/
   
3. NJB Magazine. (2024, February 8). The Pros & Cons of the Advanced Clean Cars Act II. https://njbmagazine.com/monthly-articles/the-pros-cons-of-the-advanced-clean-cars-act-ii/
   
4. Governing.com. (2023, November 22). New Jersey Will Transition to All Electric New Car Sales by 2035. https://www.governing.com/transportation/new-jersey-will-transition-to-all-electric-new-car-sales-by-2035
   
5. Insider NJ. (2023, March 13). Advocates Urge New Jersey to Catch up to Ten Other States. https://www.insidernj.com/press-release/advocates-urge-new-jersey-to-catch-up-to-ten-other-states-adopt-the-advanced-clean-cars-ii-standards-this-year/
   
6. LPDD. (2023, November 21). New Jersey Adopts Advanced Clean Cars II. https://lpdd.org/resources/new-jersey-adopts-advanced-clean-cars-ii/
   
7. NJ 101.5. (2025, August 5). Mikie Sherrill’s energy policy will drive up costs — Analysis. https://nj1015.com/mikie-sherrill-energy-policy/
   
8. POLITICO Pro. (2025, February 19). Sherrill backs Murphy’s 2035 clean energy goal. https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025/02/sherrill-backs-murphys-2035-clean-energy-goal-00205013
   
9. Landline Media. (2024, October 31). New Jersey lawmakers introduce legislation to delay electric vehicle mandate. https://landline.media/new-jersey-lawmakers-introduce-legislation-to-delay-electric-vehicle-mandate/
   
10. ECOS. (2023, December). New Jersey Moves to Require Zero-Emission Vehicles by 2035. https://www.ecos.org/news-and-updates/new-jersey-moves-to-require-zero-emission-vehicles-by-2035/