NJ draft global warming
plan sets a new course

In 2007, Gov. Jon Corzine signed the Global Warming Response Act into law.  The law requires the state to reduce global warming pollution 20 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050—the levels scientists say we must achieve to avoid the worst effects of global warming.  

Most importantly, the law also requires the governor and his agencies to develop a specific plan to meet those emissions reductions.

Sound research makes the case
Following the bill signing, Environment New Jersey worked to convince the governor to develop a plan that would virtually eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels by 2050. Our advocates authored research reports that highlighted the best clean energy solutions. We made the case for zero-emission cars and trucks fueled by electricity instead of oil. We called for efficient buildings that combine state-of-the-art technology with renewable energy to produce more energy than they consume. And we developed a blueprint to one day power New Jersey with 100 percent clean, renewable electricity from wind, solar, and other sources.

Smart advocacy sets real results
Environment New Jersey met frequently with the governor’s staff to make our case, attended public hearings to testify for a clean energy future, worked together with other advocates, and encouraged the public to call and write the governor in support of our platform.

As a result, Gov. Corzine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) released a draft plan that supported a host of Environment New Jersey’s recommendations. If fully implemented, the plan will eventually end the state’s reliance on coal, oil and gasoline, and will grow the economy with a clean, renewable energy infrastructure.

“This plan will chart a new energy future in New Jersey—a future that rejects the dirty, dangerous, and expensive energy sources of the past, and embraces clean, renewable and sustainable energy sources,” said Matt Elliott, Environment New Jersey’s Global Warming and Clean Energy Advocate. “It lays a path for the governor and the Legislature to dramatically increase energy efficiency and renewable energy in our buildings, cars, and transportation systems, and to drastically reduce global warming pollution.”

The next challenge will be one of implementation.

Next steps to a clean energy future
The governor’s plan includes strong goals and policy recommendations to reduce the state’s global warming footprint, but advocates caution that their work is far from over. To achieve the governor’s goals, as many as 100 different policies and administrative decisions will need to be adopted in the coming years.

“This plan will only be meaningful if the Legislature and the governor act quickly to make the recommendations the law of the land. We will work tirelessly to hold them accountable to their global warming commitments,” said Elliott.