Governor Murphy Launches Year Three of Charge Up New Jersey Electric Vehicle Incentive Program and Unveils New Residential EV Charger Program

Governor Phil Murphy announced the launch of Year Three of the State’s popular Charge Up New Jersey electric vehicle (EV) incentive program and also unveiled the State’s new residential EV charger program. Both the Charge-Up New Jersey Program and the Residential Charger Program are key parts of the landmark electric vehicle legislation signed into law by the Governor two years ago. Further, the State released the names of the newest grantees and launched the next application window for the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’ (NJBPU) three other EV incentive programs.

The announcement represents a major step forward in the growth of the State’s comprehensive and highly successful electric vehicle program. The Charge Up Program is currently the country’s largest cash-on-the-hood incentive program, with a maximum $4,000 incentive. Over the last two years of the program, over 13,000 EVs were purchased or leased with this incentive.

The electrification of the state’s transportation sector, which accounts for more than 40 percent of the State’s greenhouse gas emissions, is a key part of the Energy Master Plan, the State’s roadmap to reaching 100 percent clean energy by 2050. By working to reduce emissions from both light- and heavy-duty vehicles, New Jersey is striving to achieve its bold emissions reductions goals while advancing environmental justice across the state. The Murphy Administration’s efforts to increase access to its incentive program complements the State’s measures to safeguard overburdened communities from the disproportionate impacts of pollution and climate change. Through the New Jersey Zero-Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP) funded by Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) proceeds, the State is reducing harmful emissions, especially in communities disproportionately impacted by transportation emissions, and promoting economic opportunity.

“With so much at stake amid the mounting climate crisis, it is imperative that we all do our part not just as New Jerseyans, but as global citizens, to help mitigate the impacts of climate change,” said Governor Murphy. “That’s why I’m proud that my administration is doing everything in its power to make the transition to electric vehicles more financially feasible and practical for working families across the state. As we enter Year Three of the Charge Up New Jersey EV incentive program, we remain determined to meet our bold clean energy goals and are confident that thousands more New Jerseyans will take advantage of a program that will continue to bear considerable economic and environmental benefits.”

Governor Murphy and New Jersey Health Commissioner Outline Expanded Monkeypox Vaccine Eligibility, Availability

Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) Commissioner Judith Persichilli  announced expanded eligibility for the monkeypox vaccine and the State’s distribution plan for the 2,700 available doses. The vaccine was previously available to residents with known exposure to a monkeypox case. Going forward, the JYNNEOS vaccine will also be available to New Jerseyans who are at high risk of having been exposed to the virus in the past 14 days. There are currently 45 probable and confirmed cases of the virus in New Jersey.

“As cases of monkeypox continue to rise and our state receives additional doses from the federal government, we are taking these critical steps to increase availability of the vaccine to protect the health of residents,” said Governor Murphy. “As my administration works to raise awareness about monkeypox, we encourage our health care and community partners to help spread the word about symptoms, risks, and availability of both testing and vaccines. We will continue to prioritize the health of our communities and take steps to assist and reach residents at highest risk for this virus.” 

“New Jersey has been given a very limited number of doses at this time, and the Department continues to press the CDC on timely delivery of additional necessary doses to meet the needs of our at-risk populations,” said Health Commissioner Persichilli. “At the same time, residents should be aware of the signs and symptoms of the orthopoxvirus and take precautions to prevent the spread.”

For residents with known exposure to a person with monkeypox, the two-dose regimen for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) continues to be available through their local health department. Anyone with a known exposure within the past 14 days should contact their health care provider or local health department regarding testing and vaccine eligibility. Local health departments will continue to conduct contact tracing and offer the vaccine to anyone identified as a close contact.

For residents without a confirmed exposure who believe they may have been exposed or are at high risk for having been exposed to monkeypox in the past 14 days, the vaccine is now available through three community partners via appointments only.

New Jersey is expecting additional doses from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and as the State gets additional supply, the Department will continue to expand access to the vaccine. 

Governor Murphy Signs Voting Reform Package to Strengthen New Jersey Elections

Governor Phil Murphy reaffirmed his commitment to securing access to voting rights by signing a series of bills to strengthen New Jersey’s elections. The signings build on reforms to expand democracy enacted during the Murphy Administration, including automatic voter registration and in-person early voting.  

"Across the nation, we continue to see one of our nation’s core principles come under attack as states restrict access to the ballot,” said Governor Murphy. “I am proud to sign legislation that will make democracy more accessible, more transparent, and stronger in our state. New Jersey will continue to move forward as we ensure that the democratic process is secure and protected.”  

“With this bill package, New Jersey continues to expand access to the ballot box and provide additional resources to our election officials, while strengthening the security of our elections,” Secretary of State Tahesha Way said. “The right to vote is the very foundation of our democracy and we are committed to making voting as safe, simple, and transparent as possible.”    

ICYMI: Murphy Administration Launches Naloxone Distribution Program

The Murphy Administration announced that the Department of Human Services (DHS) has launched a Naloxone Distribution Program in partnership with the Department of Health and the Office of the Attorney General. The program allows eligible agencies the opportunity to request direct shipments of naloxone online anytime they need it. 

“With nearly 3,000 New Jerseyans lost to overdoses each year, my Administration understands the critical importance of promoting harm reduction measures that can save the lives of countless residents struggling with substance use disorder,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This distribution program is another way we are working to increase access to naloxone so that it will be on-hand whenever and wherever it is needed. My Administration will not stop seeking solutions to help the many people throughout our state who have been impacted by the opioid epidemic.”

“This program builds on existing efforts to get naloxone into as many hands as possible. Reducing barriers for first responders and community organizations to obtain naloxone will help ensure this life-saving antidote will be available when it is needed most,” said DHS Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “We look forward to eligible agencies registering for this essential program and expanding the availability of this medication. With the collaborative work of the agencies, together we can continue to turn the tide in our efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.”