Smith’s Clean Energy Bill Signed Into Law

Says ‘Clean Energy Is An Environmental Imperative, A Public Health Priority & An Economic Opportunity’

Trenton – Senator Bob Smith, the chairman of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee, issued the following statement today after his legislation (S-2314) promoting the use and development of clean energy in New Jersey was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy:

“Preserving our natural resources and protecting the environment are among the top priorities that require timely action. Clean energy is essential for clean water, air and land. This is an ambitious effort that will serve immediate needs and benefit generations to come by increasing the state’s use of renewable energy and accelerate efforts to reduce overall energy use and costs.

“Clean energy provides benefits to the economy, the environment and public health. This is a major initiative that will continue to move New Jersey forward by promoting clean energy and the modern technologies that will meet our energy needs and reduce the ill effects of carbon-based energy sources.

“New Jersey has to be a leader in clean energy.  Fossil fuels like coal and natural gas emit greenhouse gasses that cause climate change.  What you get with climate change is rising sea levels, which is a direct threat to the Jersey Shore.  We need to show the world a better, cleaner way to produce electricity.

“This is an environmental action plan that will move New Jersey forward in creating a more sustainable, greener environment and will help us reduce our reliance on energy supplies that are harmful to the environment and a threat to public health. This is a far-reaching plan to support solar energy, offshore wind, energy efficiency, energy storage and renewable energy with incentives, investments and the active participation of both the public and private sectors.

“It will also expand New Jersey’s renewable economy and help extend the cost-saving benefits of solar to more families, communities and businesses. The clean energy technologies and practices offers opportunities for new jobs in a growing sector of the economy. We can be a leader in a field that will be growing and expanding. This plan will move New Jersey forward at a critically-important time.”