There is a contentious public debate over Gov. Phil Murphy’s plan to make it impossible to buy a new gas-powered car in New Jersey by 2035.

The state Department of Environmental Protection began hosting virtual public comment on its Clean Cars II program on Thursday.

That program would gradually increase the percentage of new car sales in New Jersey that have to be electric vehicles, topping out at 100% in 2035.

Former Democratic Assemblyman John Burzichelli, who’s running for state Senate in a closely watched race in South Jersey against Republican Sen. Ed Durr, opposed the measure.

"Mandates don't work in this case, don't serve the goal we're trying to reach," Burzichelli said.

However, Environment New Jersey Director Doug O’Malley said, “it is time to step on the electric vehicle accelerator.”

“Electric vehicles have reached an inflection point, and it’s imperative for New Jersey to join other leading clean car states and adopt these standards by the end of this year to ensure more electric vehicles are available,” O’Malley said.

The clean car regulations the Murphy administration is backing are similar to those already adopted in Californ.