ReThink Energy NJ Statement on Passage of Landmark Clean Energy 

Bill by NJ Legislature

Action Moves NJ Towards Critical Emissions Reductions, Job Creation

Far Hills, N.J. (Apr. 12, 2018) – Today, both the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly passed legislation that, among other things, provides for more than half of the state’s energy to come from renewable sources, like wind and solar, by 2030.

“We applaud our state lawmakers today for responding to the overwhelming majority of New Jersey voters who polls show believe that New Jersey should invest more in renewable energy like wind and solar, rather than in fossil fuels like natural gas. This comprehensive legislation will not only reduce harmful emissions, but also create tens of thousands of sustainable jobs that are so critical to the economic well-being of the state,” said Tom Gilbert, campaign director, ReThink Energy NJ and New Jersey Conservation Foundation.

“When signed by Gov. Murphy, this legislation will put New Jersey on track to reach 100% clean energy by 2050 and restore its position as a clean energy leader,” Gilbert added.

Specifically, the legislation passed today will:

• Mandate that New Jersey gets more than half of its energy from renewable sources like solar and wind by 2030, a fourfold increase in the next 12 years over the progress made since 2001, while protecting customers with a cap on the cost.
• Create a community solar program that will ensure all customers will have access to the benefits of solar energy for the first time, including low-income and multi-family residence customers.
• Establish an energy efficiency program that would save consumers approximately $200 million annually and decrease harmful emissions from the power sector by approximately 350,000 metric tons per year, the equivalent of removing approximately 75,000 cars from the roads per year.

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