New Jersey Gov. Murphy signs four clean energy bills into law

Published on July 13, 2021 by Dave Kovaleski

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New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law a series of bills that accelerates the state’s transition to clean energy.

S3223 establishes numerical requirements, zoning standards for installing electric vehicle supply equipment, and make-ready parking spaces.

A1653 encourages the development of zero-emission vehicle fueling and charging infrastructure in redevelopment projects.

A4554 establishes a successor program to solar renewable energy certificate program in BPU, including a solicitation process for certain solar power generation facilities.

Lastly, Murphy signed into law A5434, which establishes a dual-use solar project pilot program for unpreserved farmland and allows land used for a dual-use solar project to be eligible for farmland assessment under certain conditions.

“Three and a half years ago, we put forth one of the most aggressive plans in the nation to move New Jersey away from fossil fuels and towards a future based on clean and renewable energy technologies,” Murphy said. “From wind-turbine component manufacturing to solar energy installation, to electric vehicles, the modernization of our energy sector will not only aid us in addressing climate change but also drive significant economic growth and create good-paying, union jobs across the state. By signing these bills today, we are marking another milestone on our path to 100 percent clean energy by 2050 and fueling our clean innovation economy.”

These bills will bring the state further to the Murphy administration’s goal of reaching 100 percent clean energy by 2050.

“Governor Murphy’s actions on these bills today will expand solar energy and electric vehicle infrastructure and continue to advance our efforts to achieve 100 percent clean energy by 2050,” New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Joseph Fiordaliso said. “We are building on the success of New Jersey’s solar industry, which is going strong with over 142,000 installations in the state, as well developing the critical EV infrastructure necessary to help drivers make the switch. The new legislation complements our efforts at the Board and will help deliver on the Governor’s vision of a clean energy future.”