Gov. Phil Murphy announced a major environmental initiative. He wants all new cars sold in New Jersey to be electric by 2035.

Murphy’s announcement was part of a policy speech made Tuesday at Rutgers University, outlining efforts to prevent the effects of climate change. He is accelerating the state's efforts to combat further climate change by moving to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars in the state in just 12 years.

“These are the next big steps forward,” Murphy said. “By the year 2035, the new cars sold in New Jersey will all, and I emphasize all, be zero-emission vehicles.”

Meanwhile, Eric DeGesero of the gasoline, fuel and petroleum product makers praised Murphy for backing off an earlier proposal that all homes and businesses in the state be switched to electric power. Murphy adds, following in the footsteps of California, he doesn't know if New Jerseyans are ready to go that far, that fast.

Murphy says the new rules on electric vehicles will be complete by the end of 2023. He pledged all new clean energy projects will be built by union labor.