Clean energy to power recovery
A down payment on a greener future
Environment New Jersey touted the passage of the economic
recovery package through Congress, calling it the first step toward a
green recovery. The package included $78 billion to put people to work
building clean energy projects, making homes and businesses more energy
efficient, and expanding mass transit. The measure was signed into law
by President Obama in February.
After weeks of aggressively lobbying New Jersey’s congressional
delegation, the provisions will prevent more than 68 million tons of
global warming pollution annually, reduce oil consumption by 15 million
barrels per year, and create more than 1.5 million jobs. Environment
New Jersey worked to ensure strong home weatherization programs and
clean energy incentives were kept in the legislation, as well as
increased transit funding to build the new Hudson River tunnel.
“President Obama’s election campaign was powered by the energy of
millions of Americans who support a clean energy future. Now, his
economic recovery plan will help repower New Jersey and recharge our
economy by investing in solar and wind, more efficient homes and public
transit,” said Doug O’Malley, field director for Environment New
Jersey.
Nearly $80 billion for clean energy
Environment New Jersey applauded both the president and the majority of
New Jersey’s congressional delegation for delivering a plan that will
put Americans to work in good jobs weatherizing homes and federal
buildings, installing renewable energy projects, and expanding our
public transit.
New Jersey supporters included Sens. Bob Menendez and Sen. Frank
Lautenberg, and Reps. Rob Andrews, John Adler, Frank Pallone, Rush
Holt, Bill Pascrell, Steve Rothman, Donald Payne and Albio Sires.
The final bill invests $32.80 billion in clean energy, $26.86 billion
in energy efficiency, and $18.95 billion in green transportation.
