SENATE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1793

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 15, 2018

      The Senate Environment and Energy Committee favorably reports Senate Bill No. 1793 with committee amendments.

      This bill, as amended, establishes the 13-member Clean Vehicle Task Force to study issues related to the promotion, development, and use of clean vehicles in the State, and make recommendations thereon to the Governor and the Legislature.  The bill would also update State law concerning implementation of the California Low Emission Vehicle program.  The bill:

      1)   repeals the findings and declarations in section 1 of P.L.2003, c.266 (C.26:2C-8.15 et al.);

      2)   clarifies in State law that the Department of Environmental Protection will continue to implement the California Low Emission Vehicle program and the California zero emission vehicle requirements, as it has pursuant to regulation since January 1, 2009; and

      3)   specifies that the task force cannot recommend the discontinuation of either the California Low Emission Vehicle program or the California zero emission vehicle requirements. 

      The committee amendments would specify that for the purposes of the zero emission vehicle credit bank established pursuant to P.L.2003, c.266, the credits apply to vehicles delivered for sale or lease in the State.