This bill mandates the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish an Interim Alternative Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Compliance Program within one year of the bill's enactment. This program will provide alternative compliance options for vehicle manufacturers regarding the state's Low Emission Vehicle program, specifically for model years 2027 through 2031. Manufacturers who choose to participate in this program will be considered compliant with the regulations governing the production and sale of zero-emission passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks in New Jersey.

Additionally, the bill outlines that participating manufacturers must offer their New Jersey dealers a portfolio of vehicles that meets the required share of zero-emission vehicles for each year under the Low Emission Vehicle program, based on their manufacturing capabilities and consumer orders. Importantly, the bill also provides manufacturers with a defense against penalties related to noncompliance with zero-emission vehicle sales quotas if they adhere to the Interim Alternative ZEV Compliance Program. This approach aims to facilitate compliance while ensuring that manufacturers can meet consumer demand without being forced to sell specific vehicles.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2C-8.16, 26:2C-8.17