New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill SCR135

Introduced
10/20/25  

Caption

Determines that DEP rules and regulations to implement "Advanced Clean Cars II" program are inconsistent with legislative intent.

Impact

If enacted, SCR135 would formally express the Legislature's disapproval of the DEP's actions regarding the ACC II program, reinforcing legislative oversight over administrative agencies. The resolution indicates that the DEP failed to notify the legislature of proposed significant changes as required by previous legislation. The institutional expectation is that such notification allows the legislature to retain the authority to evaluate and approve adaptations like ACC II, thereby ensuring alignment with the original legislative goals and values regarding emissions standards in New Jersey.

Summary

SCR135 is a concurrent resolution introduced in New Jersey that addresses the recent adoption of rules and regulations by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to implement the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) program. This program, which was adopted by California, requires more stringent zero-emission vehicle requirements for passenger cars and light-duty trucks. The resolution asserts that the DEP's adoption of these rules is inconsistent with the legislative intent as defined in existing state law, specifically P.L.2003, c.266, which only authorized DEP to implement the second phase of California's low emission vehicle program (LEV II). Hence, the legislature maintains that further legislative action is necessary to authorize any subsequent phases of the program beyond LEV II.

Contention

The primary contention stems from the balance of power between the legislative body and the DEP. Supporters of SCR135 argue that without legislative review, the DEP's actions could undermine pre-established legislative intent and create regulatory discrepancies. Critics might view the resolution as an obstruction to progressive environmental standards and innovation based on California's successful implementation of similar programs, highlighting a potential conflict between local legislative intent and the adoption of beneficial environmental practices.

Companion Bills

NJ ACR174

Same As Determines that DEP rules and regulations to implement "Advanced Clean Cars II" program are inconsistent with legislative intent.

Previously Filed As

NJ SCR86

Determines that DEP rules and regulations to implement "Advanced Clean Cars II" program are inconsistent with legislative intent.

NJ ACR87

Determines that DEP rules and regulations to implement "Advanced Clean Cars II" program are inconsistent with legislative intent.

NJ SCR82

Determines that DEP rules and regulations to implement "Advanced Clean Trucks" program are inconsistent with legislative intent.

NJ ACR69

Determines that DEP rules and regulations to implement "Advanced Clean Trucks" program are inconsistent with legislative intent.

NJ SCR106

Determines that DEP's "Protecting Against Climate Threats" rules, adopted January 20, 2026, are inconsistent with legislative intent.

NJ ACR59

Determines that DEP rules and regulations known as " New Jersey Protecting Against Climate Change - Resilient Environment and Landscapes" are inconsistent with legislative intent.

NJ SCR136

Determines that DEP rules and regulations known as " New Jersey Protecting Against Climate Change - Resilient Environment and Landscapes" are inconsistent with legislative intent.

NJ S697

Directs DEP to adopt rules and regulations to implement California's current low emissions vehicle program, with certain exceptions regarding zero emmission vehicles.

NJ S08099

Postpones the implementation and enforcement of advanced clean cars II regulations by the department of environmental conservation.

NJ A08524

Postpones the implementation and enforcement of advanced clean cars II regulations by the department of environmental conservation.

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