The legislature of the US state of New Jersey is considering the adoption of Californian emissions regulations and controls.

The low emission vehicle (LEV) and zero emission vehicle (ZEV) standards have proved to be controversial, providing a framework for the phased reduction of emissions in new and existing vehicles, as well as the imposition of identical standards on diesel- and petrol-powered vehicles.

Under draft proposals, New Jersey would implement the LEV II standard, which was introduced in California as a response to the proliferation of 'light duty' vehicles, not covered by LEV standards when they were introduced.

LEV II was established to cover those vehicles, which include pick-ups, sports utility vehicles and mini-vans, and require the phased reduction of fleet emissions.

Both the LEV and ZEV standards were introduced to combat the harmful effects of combustion in engines, notably the production of hydrocarbons, nitrous oxides and particulate matter.

If the proposals are accepted, all new vehicles sold in New Jersey from 2006 would have to conform to LEV II, and two per cent sold would have to be zero emissions from 2012.