By Frank Brill, EnviroPolitics Editor

TRENTON – In an effort to make charging electric vehicles more accessible, the State Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Senators Bob Smith and Kip Bateman that would facilitate the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The bill, S3223, would provide that electric vehicle charging infrastructure is an inherently beneficial use of land pursuant to the “Municipal Land Use Law” and therefore would only require minor site plan approval.  “Inherently beneficial” uses provide value to communities because they fundamentally serve the public good. Examples include hospitals, schools, childcare centers, and wind and solar energy facilities.

“Electric vehicle charging has proven to be inherently beneficial since it benefits the public good and promotes the general welfare of a community,” said Senator Smith (D-Middlesex / Somerset). “As a state, we have a goal to have 330,000 registered electric cars in New Jersey by 2025, and in order to achieve this goal, we must act now and begin developing more vehicle charging stations.”

Bateman agreed, saying:  “If we’re going to get more electric cars on the road, we’re going to need easier and more convenient access to charging stations. It’s as simple as that. This measure will help the critical charging infrastructure keep pace.”

The bill was released from the Senate by a vote of 32-0.

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