For Immediate Release
Contact: Jeff Tittel, NJ Sierra Club, 609-558-9100
Today [April 22], the DEP announced that NJ will invest $45 million to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. The $45 million will come from New Jersey’s $72.2 million share of the national Volkswagen settlement.
“We are glad that the $45 million from the Volkswagen settlement funds are going out to electrify our transportation sector in New Jersey. This money will help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, and it’s long overdue. The biggest source of air pollution and greenhouse gases in our state comes from automobiles, so it is critical to move quickly to electrify our transit system. This money will go toward electric trucks, buses, trains, and boats as well as expanding our EV infrastructure across the state. What is even more important is that they are targeting these funds toward overburdened Environmental Justice communities,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.“During the current health emergency, it is critical to reduce greenhouse gases because a recent Harvard study linked coronavirus risk with air pollution exposure.”
DEP will use $37.2 million to fund projects converting old diesel trucks, buses, port equipment, marine vessels, and trains to electric power. The additional $7.6 million will be dedicated for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including fast chargers, throughout the state.
“We believe that this is an important step forward because this money is going to areas where we really need to electrify first. Ports and bus corridors tend to be areas where we have the worst air quality, but this money should have gone out the door sooner. We got the $72.2 million from the Volkswagen settlement over two years ago and we’ve been waiting for it. This will help buy electrify our buses and ports, build charging stations, and create green jobs. New Jersey has some of the worst air quality in the nation. Most of our counties are still receiving ‘F’ designations form the latest report from the American Lung Association, and these are the areas where funding will be targeted,” said Tittel.“Now that the funds have been released, we need to move quickly. We are at the starting gate of the Indianapolis 500 while everyone else is miles ahead of us.”
According to the 2020 State of the Air report by the American Lung Association, New Jersey has nine counties with ‘F’ designations for ground-level ozone. North Jersey is ranked the 12th worst metropolitan area in the U.S. for ozone levels, which is slightly improved from last year.
“We are glad to see the Volkswagen settlement money working together with other funds, but this is just a down payment. NJ Transit needs to change their capital plan to start buying electric buses this year, and all of the buses they buy by 2025 should be electric. They are still investing in gas-guzzling trains and buses that will remain in the fleet for another 20 years. Electric buses and trains are 70% cheaper to operate, and it would help New Jersey reach 100% clean energy by 2050,”said Jeff Tittel.“Electrifying ports and trucks around our ports is critical because these vehicles are driving through Environmental Justice communities with some of the worst air pollution in the country.”
New Jersey’s biggest source of air pollution and GHG is from cars and trucks, but our state has been gridlocked when it comes to moving forward with electric vehicles. They are responsible for over 45% of our greenhouse gasses in New Jersey come vehicles and our state suffers from failing air levels.
“After waiting two years, we are glad to see this money finally going to electrify our transportation sector. These funds will help us reach 100% renewable and zero carbon by 2050. These funds will also help Environmental Justice communities at a time when these communities are suffering even more during the coronavirus pandemic. Half of New Jersey’s greenhouse gases come from mobile sources, but these emissions can be easily cut by implementing EV technology,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.“This money will help kick electric vehicles into high gear and reduce air pollution and fossil fuels.”