Senate Environment Committee Passes S938 EV Charging Bill, Easing Installation Process at Gas Stations

Environment New Jersey

Trenton – Today, the New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy Committee took another step to boost electric vehicle adoption in the state, by advancing legislation that would make it easier for gas stations to install EV charging infrastructure. The bill (S938) passed the committee unanimously by a vote of 4 to 0, and now heads to be reviewed by the Senate Budget Committee. The bill would exempt gas stations from local approvals for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, if they meet three requirements regarding permitting, codes, and approval processes.

Hayley Berliner, clean energy associate for Environment New Jersey, issued the following statement after the bill passed out of committee:

“Access to charging stations, or lack thereof, is one of the most common concerns with  electric vehicle adoption. Easing the process for gas stations to install charging stations removes a significant barrier and allows for more charging infrastructure to be installed at one of the most common places drivers see during their time on the road — a gas station. By advancing this legislation, the Senate Environment Committee is building on the legacy of the omnibus EV bill (S2552/A4819) passed this January and then signed into law by Gov. Murphy.  We need to beat range anxiety for nervous potential EV drivers and seeing more EV charging stations when they’re going to fill up a tank will help encourage mass adoption, It’s a reminder that ‘if you build it, they will come.’”

“We’re glad to see the Senate Environment and Energy Committee pushing ahead on electric vehicles, and we thank Sen. Pennachio for his prime sponsorship of this bill.This is a good step forward, but there is a lot of work left to do. New Jersey needs a state-wide network of fast charging stations, especially along our highways and heavily trafficked roads.”

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Environment New Jersey is a state-wide environmental advocacy organization, representing more than 20,000 dues-paying citizen members and more than 60,000 e-mail activists. The organization is based in both New Brunswick and Trenton. www.environmentnewjersey.org