Latham Tiver, state senator for New Jersey’s 8th District, expressed concerns about electric vehicle (EV) mandates, stating they disrupt the car market and contribute to rising electricity costs due to plant closures in New Jersey. He shared these views during an interview.
“Forcing dealerships into electric supply while decommissioning energy plants drives up electricity costs,” said Tiver. “New Jersey is decommissioning gas, coal, and nuclear plants, creating the jumps we’re seeing in electricity costs. It forces us to provide more electric while reducing the infrastructure to support it.”
New Jersey’s energy system is undergoing significant restructuring to meet clean energy goals set by state policy. According to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), the state aims to achieve 100% clean energy by 2035. This target will result in the retirement or scheduled decommissioning of several coal, natural gas, and nuclear facilities. The shift away from traditional baseload power generation occurs as renewable energy infrastructure, including offshore wind and solar projects, is still under development.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), electricity prices for residential customers in New Jersey increased by 13.6% between 2022 and 2023, compared to a national average increase of approximately 7.5%. Factors contributing to these price changes include supply adjustments, infrastructure upgrades, and changes in generation sources.
The transition coincides with expanded electrification requirements. In 2023, New Jersey adopted the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) regulations mandating that all new light-duty vehicle sales be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2035, with interim targets starting with the 2027 model year. Increased adoption of electric vehicles is expected to raise electricity demand over time, necessitating parallel developments in grid capacity and reliability planning.
Tiver represents New Jersey’s 8th Legislative District and was sworn into office in February 2024 after serving as a Burlington County Commissioner. Before his tenure as Commissioner, he chaired the Burlington County Agricultural Development Board where he promoted farmland preservation and agricultural interests. His background in local governance and agricultural policy informs his legislative priorities in the New Jersey Senate.
