Clean Energy News

TRENTON – To commemorate Earth Day, Environment New Jersey officially announced its support of new legislation that would bring renewable energy - including solar panels and small wind turbines - to communities across New Jersey.

“It’s time to repower New Jersey’s communities – to unleash the power of solar and wind energy in a way that will rebuild our economy and protect the environment,” said Matt Elliott, Global Warming and Clean Energy Advocate at Environment New Jersey.

New Jersey is already a national leader on solar power. With more than 3,700 solar installations to date, the state is second only to California in solar power deployment.  Environment New Jersey said that, with strong leadership from the state’s elected officials, New Jersey could triple its solar resources over the next two years alone.

The new legislation, sponsored by State Senator Bob Smith and Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, would allow individuals to form local renewable energy cooperatives.  Together, they would secure financing to build a solar or wind project on a local warehouse, parking lot, or community building.  And together, they would reap the benefits of the energy generated for decades to come.

“This could revolutionize the ways in which we produce and consume energy in New Jersey,” said Elliott.  “With this bill, renewable energy is accessible to every resident of New Jersey.  This is about communities coming together to decide their own energy future.”

President Obama shares the vision of wide-spread renewable energy deployment, and has stated that such initiatives are among the best ways to grow the economy, curb harmful pollutants, and put Americans back to work. 

The President spent Earth Day touting the “green economy” at a wind turbine factory in Iowa, and highlighting the need to rapidly shift to renewable energy in the fight against global warming.

“With President Obama creating new opportunities for renewable energy, we need to seize the moment and push forward measures to power New Jersey communities with clean energy,” said Elliott.  “We urge the New Jersey legislature to pass this important bill before the summer recess.  It’s a win-win for our communities, our economy, and our climate.”

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