NJ Gov. Murphy introduces three new clean energy initiatives
N.J. Gov. Phil Murphy announced several new initiatives to combat climate change and promote clean energy in the state.
For starters, Murphy signed an executive order to establish an interim greenhouse gas reduction target of 50 percent below 2006 levels by 2030. This will improve New Jersey’s path to achieve an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Further, using the proceeds from New Jersey’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), Murphy also announced a $13.7 million investment in electric buses and trucks to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
Also, the Governor announced a $20 million expansion of the New Jersey Zero Emission Incentive Program (NJZIP) into the Jersey Shore area.
“We must meet the devastating impacts of global warming and climate change, with bold intentional action,” Murphy said. “By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and electrifying our transportation sector, we are taking the critical steps to solidify New Jersey’s clean energy future while also improving air quality in our underserved communities.”
Since February 2021, New Jersey has committed nearly $71 million in RGGI proceeds to purchase electric vehicles and install charging stations in environmental justice communities. This latest round of RGGI funding will enable local governments and private operators to purchase 46 electric school buses to serve Bogota, Dover, Camden, East Orange, Garfield, Haledon, Lakewood, Leonia, Paterson, Perth Amboy, Trenton, and Weehawken. It also funds the purchase of three public works trucks in Pleasantville.
“The electrification of our transportation system is a key part of the Energy Master Plan which is the pathway to reaching Governor Murphy’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050,” Joseph Fiordaliso, president, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, said. “With today’s announcement, we are supporting electric vehicles and reinforcing our commitment to reducing auto emissions in overburdened communities which have, in the past, borne the burden of bus and truck pollution.”
