New Jersey officials call for additional funding for state energy efficiency efforts

Federal, state, and local officials in New Jersey are calling for funding energy efficiency and conservation programs to help reduce the effects of climate change in New Jersey.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, authorized in the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act, was created to provide state, local, and tribal governments with funding to undertake projects to reduce energy use, diversify energy supplies, and improve air quality and the environment.

However, the program has not received any additional appropriated funds since 2009. U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) is looking to change that. The House Energy and Commerce Committee, which Pallone serves on, held a hearing on a bill (H.R. 2088), which would reauthorize the program to provide $3.5 billion annually from 2021 to 2025.

“The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program is an important step toward combating climate change in a way that also grows our local economy,” Pallone said. “Energy efficiency and conservation funding would help create good paying jobs, save consumers money on their energy bills, and reduce carbon pollution all at once. This program was a success, and we must restore this funding in order to give state and local governments the resources they need to reduce our energy usage and lower our carbon footprint.”

Pallone met this week with NJ State Sen. Bob Smith and Piscataway, N.J., Mayor Brian Wahler to tour the Piscataway Public Works building, which installed solar panels funded by money from the block grant program.

“Piscataway Township is incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated partner and strong advocate of protecting the environment in our local voice on Capitol Hill, Representative Frank Pallone, Jr.,” Wahler said. “Our strong priorities of having a cleaner and greener future is shared by this long-time champion of energy efficiency and many other proactive initiatives.”