New Jersey provides win for climate bill
N.J. delegates the deciding factor in close House vote
New Jersey’s congressional delegation took a historic step toward a new clean energy economy by providing the winning margin to pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act in a tight 219-212 U.S. House vote on June 26.
Environment New Jersey worked hard to push the legislation—organizing the public and our members to call on their representatives to support this critical clean energy bill and lobbying members of Congress directly in Washington.
A cleaner, greener future
The bill marks a major turning point in the fight against climate change. It will reduce global warming pollution by limiting emissions from utilities, refineries and other major sources. It will shrink U.S. carbon emissions 17 percent by 2020 and more than 80 percent by 2050, mirroring the reduction levels Environment New Jersey advocated in New Jersey’s groundbreaking 2007 global warming law.
The legislation will also cut the nation’s petroleum use by two million barrels a day in 2030—as much oil as we currently import from the Persian Gulf—and spur growth in clean energy and energy efficiency with $90 billion in investments.
Bipartisan victory
New Jersey’s congressional bipartisan delegation voted overwhelmingly in support of the bill, with Reps. Rob Andrews (D-1), Frank LoBiondo (R-2), John Adler (D-3), Chris Smith (R-4), Frank Pallone (D-6), Leonard Lance (R-7), Bill Pascrell (D-8), Steve Rothman (D-9), Donald Payne (D-10), Rush Holt (D-12) and Albio Sires (D-13) supporting the legislation. Two members of the delegation failed to support the legislation—Reps. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-11) and Scott Garrett (R-5).
“Reps. Lance, LoBiondo and Smith deserve particular praise for their leadership to put clean energy jobs and energy independence first for New Jersey. Their votes will help New Jersey cement its place as a green economy leader,” said Doug O’Malley, field director for Environment New Jersey.
Despite this success, we still have a big job ahead of us. Environment New Jersey is now working with Sens. Bob Menendez and Frank Lautenberg to strengthen the bill and pass it through the U.S. Senate this fall.
