Weakened Global Warming Response Bill Released From Assembly Approp.

Today, the Assembly Appropriations released A4821 (Huttle). The bill establishes new timeframes for implementation of certain requirements in “Global Warming Response Act”; requires DEP to adopt strategy to reduce short-lived climate pollutants. Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club released the following statement:

“We are entering into a climate emergency and it is getting even worse. It is even more important to reduce greenhouse gases as quickly as we can. The new U.S climate report written by 13 federal agencies and hundreds of scientists show that climate change is getting worse and happening faster. The DEP has the authority to regulate greenhouses but chose not to. That is why it is critical for this legislation to move forward compelling the DEP to actually set standards for reduction for C02 emissions and greenhouse gases.  There is nothing under this bill that the DEP couldn’t do now under the current Global Warming Response Act.

 “Climate change is getting worse and there is a real sense of urgency. However, this legislation is not enough when it comes to reducing our air emissions. The bill is like if your house is on fire and you run out to get a smoke detector. We need to give DEP some teeth to regulate C02, GHG emissions, and black carbon. We believe the bill should require the DEP to regulate natural gas powerplants and set standards to C02 and other emissions. As we move forward on our 100% clean energy goals by 2020, we should be ratcheting down on fossil fuels until we get to zero emissions. We need to make clearer benchmarks and reductions, especially while trying to reduce air pollutions in EJ communities. DEP also should be modeling and making regulations on fugitive emissions for GHGs. The department should require a tonnage fee on air permits too.”