LYNDHURST, NJ – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced the expansion of the New Jersey Zero Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP) to support businesses and institutions across the state that purchase new zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles. in New Jersey. Last week, the NJEDA Board of Trustees approved a $45 million expansion through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) allocation, doubling the amount of funding dedicated to the program.
In addition to increasing funding for the program, the NJEDA board also approved two major eligibility changes from the earlier phase — expanding eligibility to include heavy-duty truck classes and expanding statewide beyond the four pilot communities in the first phase.
NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan was joined by Vanessa and Luis Abad outside the offices of the New Jersey State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SHCCNJ), which was instrumental in promoting the pilot project to business owners to announce the expansion of the program. The Abads’ business, Ridgefield Park-based ENAT Transportation & Logistics, was one of the first businesses approved for support under the program. Abad and Sullivan, along with GreenPower Motor Company Regional Sales Manager Larry Sharp, placed “Powered by NJ ZIP” stickers on four NJ ZIP-funded medium-duty, zero-emission electric vehicles. GreenPower Motor Company is an authorized NJ ZIP dealer from which ENAT Transportation & Logistics sourced their vehicles.
As of last month, the NJEDA had approved 144 NJ ZIP applications totaling $32.2 million in zero-emission medium-duty vehicle vouchers, with more applications still in the process. NJEDA anticipates that expanding the program will allow an additional 200-400 vouchers to be awarded. More than 90 percent of entities approved to date are small businesses, and approximately 57 percent are minority and/or women-owned. The vehicles supported under the program so far are expected to reduce annual carbon emissions by more than 6,500 short tons in the communities in which they operate.
“More than 40 percent of New Jersey’s carbon emissions are produced by vehicles, so helping small businesses transition to zero-emission technology is a key step in accelerating Gov. Phil Murphy’s efforts to improve air quality and create economic opportunity in the state,” Sullivan said. “Small businesses participating in the program are poised to reap the benefits of electric vehicle ownership by upgrading their fleets with state-of-the-art environmentally friendly vehicles that not only reduce fuel costs and require less maintenance, but also mitigate harmful environmental impacts. emissions from transportation in communities throughout New Jersey.
ENAT Transportation & Logistics, one of the first award-winning NJ ZIPs to receive its vehicles, is on track to transition its entire commercial fleet to electric vehicles over the next five years and is currently partnering with Bergen Community College to serve as an accommodation site . their zero-emission vehicles as part of the Bergen Community College Business Accelerator.
“The NJ ZIP is a fantastic resource for small businesses like mine to afford to transition to an electric fleet as we strive to reduce our carbon footprint, and the added bonus it provides gives minority, women-owned businesses like mine, an opportunity to progress,” he said. Error. “The additional $40,000 in bonuses we received for being a minority- and women-owned small business allowed us to compete with other transportation companies in a traditionally male-dominated industry.”
“The NJ ZIP offers a clear and affordable path for businesses across New Jersey, especially those in underserved communities, to purchase and operate electric vehicles,” Sharp said. “GreenPower Motor will continue to supply some of the first commercial electric vans and trucks to New Jersey businesses that are taking bold action to address climate change by reducing their carbon footprint. We look forward to continuing to deliver zero-emission vehicles to future recipients through the NJ ZIP program.”
Another small business that recently received support from the NJ ZIP is Camden County-based Juan Kelmy Productions, LLC. Located in Sicklerville, this minority owned small business is a photography, marketing and web design company serving the tri-state area.
“Our company is honored to be the recipient of NJ ZIP Electric Vehicle Vouchers to support our daily business operations,” said Juan Kelmy Productions, owner of Juan Martinez. “Funding from this program furthers our commitment to clean energy initiatives that contribute to our zero-emissions goals in the transition to new electric vehicles.”
“NJDEP is pleased to work with NJEDA to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming and climate change in our state,” said New Jersey Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. “Since New Jersey’s transportation sector is the largest source of these emissions, expanding the NJ ZIP represents a significant step forward. These types of partnerships also demonstrate the strength and power of collaboration between government agencies. NJ ZIP supports small businesses as they transition their existing fleets to zero-emission alternatives, helping to protect the environment, improve public health, and advance our environmental justice and clean energy goals.”
In addition to expanding the program’s funding capacity, NJEDA will also work to identify a university partner in New Jersey to provide technical assistance under the NJ ZIP program. This assistance will provide essential guidance for small businesses applying for zero-emission vehicle vouchers.
NJEDA anticipates opening applications, including those for businesses in newly eligible parts of the state, in the coming months. Vouchers will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. More information about NJ ZIP, including all eligibility requirements for sellers and buyers, is available at https://www.njeda.com/njzip.
About the New Jersey Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)
In 2020, NJEDA, along with NJDEP and NJBPU, released the first strategic plan for funding the state’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The plan identified four initiatives in which the agencies will invest RGGI auction proceeds from 2020 to 2022. The NJ ZIP is funded by proceeds allocated to NJEDA by RGGI to reduce harmful emissions, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by transportation. emission and creation of economic opportunities within the state.
About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the state’s primary agency for managing economic growth. NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies that will help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jerseyans and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with various stakeholders, NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to increase the state’s economic vitality and quality of life and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.
Courtesy NJ ZIP, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
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