A bipartisan coalition of hundreds of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware union workers, business leaders, community advocates, energy producers, and local and state elected officials rallied at the Statehouse in Trenton. They called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state agencies to reconsider policies that will ban most new gas cars and impose electric vehicle mandates.
NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka served as emcee for the event. The crowd included Trenton lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle who spoke directly to the EPA with a rallying cry: “Save Our Jobs! Don’t Ban Our Cars!”
Michele Siekerka emphasized the bipartisan nature of the issue: “This is not a Republican or a Democratic issue. Rather, it’s about jobs and giving Americans the freedom to choose the kind of car that they choose to drive.”
Jim Appleton from New Jersey Car highlighted concerns about upcoming restrictions: “Starting next year automakers will be restricted in the number of combustion vehicle engines that they can send into the State of New Jersey... If the state can’t afford to follow [California] rules... then the administration should acknowledge its mandates are unrealistic and walk away.”
NJ State Senator John Burzichelli advocated for Senate Bill 2252: “We need clarity of policy. It does not make sense to impose this mandate... Raise your voices, talk to your assembly people, talk to your senators in a rational, straightforward way. We will win this on the merits.”
Kate Gibbs from Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative (Elec825) warned about funding issues: “These mandates put... our transportation trust fund in severe jeopardy... Without that dedicated funding... either our roads and bridges will crumble... or we’ll have to make up those funds with local property taxes—something we know New Jerseyans can’t bear.”
NJ Senator Latham Tiver argued for consumer choice: “A ban on gas cars is widely out of step with what most Americans want. The people have spoken, and they demand choice.”
Paulsboro Mayor John Giovannitti expressed local opposition: “As Mayor of Paulsboro, I support the refinery and I don’t support these regulations.”
Linden Mayor Derek Armstead suggested alternatives: “Instead of banning gas vehicles, we should incentivize hybrid vehicles, invest in cleaner fuels and improve gasoline engine efficiency."
New Castle County Councilman Tim Sheldon stated simply: "This hurts workforce development."
NJ Assemblyman Christian Barranco praised bipartisan support against mandates: "Mandating what we can and cannot buy in the automotive market is nothing any government should be partaking in."
Carl Marrara from Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association criticized federal overreach: "Why are we allowing a technocratic bureaucracy…to dictate policy for a whole nation? California has proven it can’t govern..."
Chet Thompson from American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers noted economic impacts: "Bans like this are bad for consumers. They raise prices… People should be able to pick cars that meet their budget."
The rally was supported by various unions including International Oil Workers (IOW), New Jersey UA Pipe Trades, S. Steelworkers Local 4/898 (DE), UA Local 322 (NJ), AFL-CIO Local 74 (DE), employees from PBF Paulsboro Refinery among others.
Issue Background:
The rally aimed at addressing federal regulations perceived as limiting consumer vehicle choices. The EPA's finalized tailpipe emissions standards necessitate phasing out most new gas-powered vehicles within eight years. Additionally, pending authorization by EPA could enforce California's ban on new gas-powered vehicles across multiple states including New Jersey.
Proponents argue these policies could increase vehicle prices and restrict consumer options while posing risks to U.S. energy security due to reliance on China-dominated EV supply chains.
Advocates call for balanced approaches promoting cleaner transportation without imposing strict bans or mandates.
