CCNJ RESPONDS TO GOVERNOR MURPHY’S ENERGY MASTER PLAN

TRENTON (January 27, 2020) – The Chemistry Council of New Jersey (CCNJ) issued the following statement in response to the 2020 New Jersey Energy Master Plan. All quotes may be attributed to Executive Director Dennis Hart.

“The Chemistry Council of New Jersey commends the Murphy Administration for once again reviewing the state’s Energy Master Plan and for not placing a moratorium on specific energy sources. To meet our state’s economic and environmental goals, CCNJ supports a comprehensive energy strategy that promotes and leverages all energy sources including natural gas, while also promoting energy efficiency and alternative sources, such as energy recovery.

“Our members continue to be concerned with the high cost of energy in New Jersey. Energy is a vital component of our industry’s cost structure, and higher energy prices can have a substantial impact on both jobs and the bottom line of our member companies. New Jersey’s industrial energy rates are still some of the highest in the nation, about 45% above the national average. As large energy users, the state’s energy policies are of critical importance to our members.

“While we applaud the Murphy Administration’s ambitious goals, it is imperative that affordable and reliable energy be at the forefront of the state’s Energy Master Plan. New Jersey’s energy policy must adequately address and take into full consideration the cost of energy and overall ratepayer impact. We look forward to reviewing the administration’s financial impact report on the proposed plan.

“The business of chemistry is committed to promoting a cleaner environment. The industry has made changes to its operations which has allowed the industry to reduce its TRI emissions by more than 96 percent since 1988 and to significantly reduce carbon emissions.

“New Jersey chemical industry products and technologies support the fight against climate change in applications such as renewable energy sources, electric and high-efficiency vehicles and building materials that reduce energy consumption. Our scientists are developing new emissions reduction technologies and clean energy alternatives to protect the environment and sustain our quality of life.

“The Council looks forward to participating in both the stakeholder and regulatory processes to share this information and make meaningful contributions to the development, promulgation and implementation of the “Protecting Against Climate Threat” (PACT) Rules.

“The Chemistry Council of New Jersey and its members remain committed to being solution providers that help the state achieve its goal and address the negative impacts of climate change, while protecting the investments made by business of chemistry companies employing more than 40,000 people in New Jersey.”

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The Chemistry Council of New Jersey (CCNJ), founded in 1955, is the trade and advocacy organization representing the interests of more than 50 New Jersey manufacturers and 45 firms in the business of chemistry. Our membership consists of large and small companies that are part of New Jersey’s chemical, pharmaceutical, consumer packaged goods, petroleum, flavor & fragrances and precious metals industries. The CCNJ is committed to a better quality of life through science.