Legislation (A-4819), now Law

In an effort to facilitate increased demand for energy-efficient vehicles in New Jersey as the market expands, legislation to establish new goals and incentives that support the use of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) was signed into law by the Governor on Friday. The measure is sponsored by Assembly Democrats Daniel Benson, Nancy Pinkin and James Kennedy.

The legislation (A-4819), now law, establishes new goals for the use of plug-in electric EVs, and establishes incentive programs regarding the use of light-duty plug-in EVs and in-home charging equipment. It pertains to a “light-duty vehicle” which under the law includes, but is not limited to, any vehicle commonly referred to as a car, minivan, sport utility vehicle, cross-over, or pick-up truck.

“Our goal is to get more electric vehicles on the road, which in turn will result in less greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, more local jobs to put the charging infrastructure in place, and cleaner air for our communities,” said Benson (D-Mercer, Middlesex), chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee. “For a cleaner, healthier State, this law puts forth strong attainable goals to increase the number of electric vehicles and charging stations in New Jersey.”
Among the new State goals established by the law:

  • At least 330,000 of registered light-duty vehicles in the State are to be plug-in electric vehicles by December 31, 2025, and at least 2 million by December 31, 2035;
  • At least 85% of all new light-duty vehicles sold in the State are to be plug-in electric vehicles by December 31, 2040;
  • At least 400 DC Fast Chargers to be available for public use at no fewer than 200 charging locations in the State by December 31, 2025;
  • At least 15% of all multi-family residential properties in the State are to be equipped with Electric Vehicle service equipment (EVSE) for the routine charging of plug-in electric vehicles by residents by December 31, 2025; and
  • At least 10% of new bus purchases made by NJ Transit are to be zero-emission buses by December 31, 2024, 50% by December 31, 2026, and 100% by December 31, 2032.

“It is estimated that 75 billion miles are traveled on New Jersey roads every year in vehicles fueled by gasoline and diesel,” said Pinkin (D-Middlesex), chair of the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee. “By promoting the use of electric vehicles under these goals, we can help make New Jersey air cleaner which would be a huge win for the environment and public health. With the climate crises we are seeing across the world, it is imperative that we move to reduce our carbon footprint as quickly as possible.”

Under the provisions of the law, the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is tasked with establishing and implementing incentive programs for the purchase or lease of light-duty plug-in electric vehicles; and purchase and installation of in-home electric vehicle charging equipment.

In the first year of the incentive program for electric vehicles, the amount of the incentive is to equal $25 per mile of EPA-rated electric-only range up to a maximum of $5,000 per eligible vehicle. For in-home charging equipment, individuals will be eligible to receive one-time payments of no more than $500 per person.

“Incentivizing the switch to electric vehicles will not only help save money and reduce emissions but will be critical in laying the foundation for a self-sustaining market in the long term,” said Kennedy (D-Middlesex, Somerset, Union). “This law equips us to build on year-to-year successes.”

The law also provides for the creation of the Plug-in Electric Vehicle Incentive Fund administered by the BPU to be used solely for disbursements under the light-duty plug-in electric vehicle and in-home electric vehicle charging equipment incentive programs. It further requires that no less than $30 million in annual disbursements from the fund be made available under the programs.

Additionally, the Department of Environmental Protection will develop and implement a public education program to provide consumers information regarding the availability and benefits of plug-in electric vehicles, the new State goals and availability of incentives.

The law was given final legislative approval 65-9 in the full Assembly and 27-12 in the Senate in January 2020. It will take effect immediately.

This article is shared from NJ Democrats 

Fall Safety Tip Series

As the air turns cooler and leaves fall from the trees, it’s important to keep a few important fall safety tips in mind. This is why we have created our Fall Season Safety Tip Series! Our five blogs will cover the most important things to focus on during this year’s Fall season. We will cover the topics:

  1. Pedestrian Safety
  2. Driving Safety
  3. Weather
  4. Fire Use
  5. Lawn Maintenance

Make sure you stay connected with our KMM Website as well as our social media platforms to stay connected and informed! We will be posting a blog each week for the rest of the Fall.

Pollution Solution

Recently, NASA announced the earth’s temperature has risen 1.8 degrees since the late 19th century. It’s a big deal because scientists believe a 2-degree increase would result in melting ice caps, rising sea levels, warmer oceans, more hurricanes, floods, droughts, and wildfires.  All of this is due to the increase of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane which are produced by humans and emitted into the air.  So what can we do about this?

EDUCATION.  KMM is sponsoring a bookmark drawing contest to all 5th graders in Middlesex County. Students are encouraged to create a bookmark illustrating the theme of Pollution Solutions.  Some examples include:

  • Plant a tree
  • Grow your own garden
  • Start to compost
  • Use a rake instead of a leaf blower
  • Turn off all lights when not in use
  • Fill up the dishwasher
  • Recycle and Reuse paper
  • Avoid plastic bags, straws, and utensils

To participate, 5th-grade students from Middlesex County must design an original piece (bookmark) artwork in color and must be submitted using the entry form included in this post.  We ask just one entry per student and all entries must be submitted by April 15, 2019. The winner will receive a $100 gift card from Magyar Bank. The winning bookmark will be printed and distributed to schools in Middlesex County.

For more information, download the info sheet provided.   Best wishes to all participants!

KMM 2019 Bookmark Contest 5th grade Entry Sheet

KMM 2019 Bookmark Contest 5th grade Info Sheet

Beat the Summer Heat!

Summertime is best spent by the pool, picnics at the park, beach trips, and family vacations. But keep in mind, along with all of the summers’ delights, it brings the heat, humidity, and dangerously oppressive temperatures!

Too much heat exposure can cause several heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and even death. According to the National Safety Council, heatstrokes are among the leading causes of death in teens, young adults and the elderly. This is due to excessive heat exposure during work, practices, and sporting events outdoors.

Most cases of heatstrokes can be prevented, but many do not know how to prevent them. Here are some preventative measures to stay safe and to stay cool:

  1. Drink Water, Stay Hydrated. As you lose water from sweating, your body temperature rises, so replacing these fluids is essential to keeping cool on hot summer days. Water isn’t your only option for staying hydrated. Eating fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as cucumbers and berries can do the same thing.
  2. Take Breaks. Taking multiple 5-10 minute breaks to find some shade or air conditioning during your outdoor run, practice or work schedule helps your body cool down and lower its temperature. By doing this, you rejuvenate your body to get the job that you started done.
  3. Dress Light. Wearing light colors and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, especially on scorching hot days lets your body and pores stay cooler.

Whatever your plans may be on a summers day, remember that the heat can do some damage. By following our preventative measures and being prepared, we can help you beat the heat this summer!

Did you know? Earth Day Facts!

Many communities across Middlesex County will be hosting events celebrating Earth Day.  Stream and lake clean-ups, community shredding events, and tree planting are just some of the events happening this weekend.

Did you know…

  • The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970.  On the very fist Earth Day, 20 million people gathered in the streets of America to protest the industrial revolution.  An environment movement was born as a result.
  • One result of the first Earth Day was the creation of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Clean Air Act.
  • Dennis Hayes took Earth Day international in 1990.  It is believed that it’s now the largest secular holiday in the world.
  • In 2009, the United Nations renamed Earth Day as International Mother Earth Day.
  • In 2018, it is predicted that Earth Day will be celebrated by more than one billion people world wide.

Will you be one of those billion?

 

My Favorite place to Bike or Walk!

Walking and biking are fun and healthy ways to get around when it’s done safely.  KMM encourages 3rd graders across Middlesex County to walk or bike to school, to the park, and wherever you go!

Here at KMM, we are sponsoring a bookmark illustrating contest for all Middlesex County students in the 3rd grade to create a bookmark that best embodies the theme My Favorite Place to Walk or Bike.  Winner of the contest will receive a $100 gift card from Provident Bank and the illustration will also be printed and distributed to schools across the County.

For more details and to enter, Download the Form and mail it back to our offices.  All entries must be postmarked by March 24, 2018.