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Governor Phil Murphy

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Week in NJ - November 24th, 2023

11/24/2023
Photo: Capitol Dome photo with NJ EDA logo

Murphy Administration Adopts Zero-Emission Vehicle Standards to Improve Air Quality, Fight Climate Change, and Promote Clean Vehicle Choice

Governor Phil Murphy and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced the filing of the Advanced Clean Cars II rule for adoption on December 18, setting the state on the road toward better air quality and cleaner choices for new car buyers while combatting the worsening climate crisis. New Jersey joins a growing number of states that are requiring vehicle manufacturers to make zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) an increasing percentage of their new light-duty vehicle sales beginning in model year 2027, ramping up to 100% ZEVs by 2035.

The rule does not impose obligations on consumers or car dealers and provides compliance flexibilities for manufacturers. It requires manufacturers of passenger cars and light-duty trucks to meet an annual ZEV requirement intended to increase the percentage of electric vehicles sold in New Jersey. The rule also ensures that traditional gasoline- and diesel-fueled vehicles are manufactured to meet more stringent exhaust emission standards, which will positively impact air quality in New Jersey communities, especially those near high-traffic corridors. The rule will take effect starting in model year 2027, providing time for auto industry transition and continued development of charging infrastructure and a more robust and cleaner electrical grid in New Jersey. It does not ban gasoline cars, nor does it force consumers to buy EVs. Rather, the rule will provide certainty to vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, utilities, and charging infrastructure companies to make the long-term investments that will be crucial to large-scale deployment of light-duty ZEVs and consumer choice.

“By filing the landmark Advanced Clean Cars II rule, New Jersey builds upon its standing as a national leader in climate action and its participation in the global Accelerating to Zero commitment,” said Governor Murphy. “The steps we take today to lower emissions will improve air quality and mitigate climate impacts for generations to come, all while increasing access to cleaner car choices. Indeed, together with my Administration’s continuing investments in voluntary electric vehicle incentives, charging infrastructure, and the green economy, these new standards will preserve consumer choice and promote affordability for hardworking New Jerseyans across the state.”

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Photo: First Lady Tammy Murphy

At Maternal and Infant Health Roundtable Discussion at University Hospital, First Lady Tammy Murphy Announces Introduction of Doula Access Bill

First Lady Tammy Murphy hosted a roundtable discussion at University Hospital in Newark to discuss maternal and infant health progress in New Jersey and announce the introduction of A5739, which ensures pregnant mothers can be accompanied by their doulas in hospitals and birthing centers across the state. Under the bill, hospitals and birthing centers must develop and maintain policies that allow doulas to accompany patients before, during, and after labor and childbirth. These facilities will also be required to publicly post their policies and designate a contact to maintain communications between their staff, the doula community, and patients.

"Doulas are an essential part of an expecting mother's health care team and deserve to be recognized as such. Their involvement has been proven to reduce birth complications, lower rates of C-sections, improve mental health, and so much more. If I could change anything about my four pregnancies, it would be to have the support of a doula," said First Lady Tammy Murphy. "With the help of our partners in the Legislature, we are working to ensure that every mother in New Jersey has access to doulas in their greatest moment of need."

First Lady Tammy Murphy launched Nurture NJ in 2019 as a statewide program committed to reducing the maternal and infant mortality epidemic in New Jersey and ensuring equitable care among women and children of all races and ethnicities. In January 2021, the First Lady unveiled the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan, a blueprint to reduce New Jersey’s maternal mortality rate by 50 percent over five years and eliminate racial disparities in birth outcomes.

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Image:Logo New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness

ICYMI: NJOHSP: Holiday Safety Staples - Vigilance, Cyber Hygiene

With the upcoming holiday season, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and its cybersecurity division, the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, are reminding the public to stay alert for signs of physical and cyber threats.

“This holiday season we are reminding New Jerseyans to stay safe and to report any suspicious activity to the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Whether it’s shopping, attending services or participating in public seasonal festivities, we’re asking the public to remain vigilant. While people hope they’ll never have to make that call, the public can play a vital role to ensure New Jersey has a safe holiday season.”

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Image:  The Holidays at Drumthwacket

Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy Invite New Jersey Residents to Holiday Open Houses at Drumthwacket

With the arrival of the holiday season, Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy invite New Jersey residents to attend The Holidays at Drumthwacket, a longstanding tradition of open houses at the Governor’s official residence in Princeton. The Drumthwacket Foundation, in partnership with seven garden clubs from across New Jersey, has decorated each room using fresh arrangements and greenery to complement the architecture and decor of the historic property.

“Drumthwacket is a beautiful point of pride for our state and we hope everyone will visit and enjoy the historic property,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Phil and I look forward to the tradition of opening the People’s House and sharing this joyful season with all New Jerseyans.”

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