For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Anjuli.Ramos@sierraclub.org
Enviro Bills Released in Senate Committee
Today the Senate Environment and Energy Committee released the following environmental bills:
S336 (Singleton). The Clean Energy Equity Act, among other things, directs the establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities and makes changes to the community solar program.
“It is critical for New Jersey to include equity as part of its clean energy work. This is imperative so that everyone in our state can fairly access the benefits of renewable energy like solar and wind. The Clean Energy Equity Act will help reduce greenhouse gasses and co-pollution while saving people money and creating green jobs in communities that are disproportionately affected,” said Anjuli Ramos-Busot, New Jersey Chapter Director, Sierra Club. “This legislation is essential to make sure that low-income and overburdened communities can benefit from renewable energy, including utility savings and green jobs training.”
S417(Smith): Requires environmental sustainability plan for State House Complex.
“A sustainability plan for the State House that will increase efficiency, conserve natural resources and reduce carbon emission is a win-win for our wallets and our environment. It’s a major step in the right direction by the legislature to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Ramos-Busot.
S419(Smith): Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.
“This legislation will help towns, cities, and schools in New Jersey save money, save energy, and reduce pollution. Energy efficiency is the most cost-effective way to reduce greenhouse gasses and pollution while creating green jobs,” said Ramos-Busot.
S1005(Ruiz): Authorizes common law public nuisance suits regarding lead paint under State law; exempts Attorney General from certain aspects of public nuisance claims when pursuing lead paint actions.
“We have a serious problem with lead in New Jersey that we have been dealing with for far too long. People should be able to go after paint manufacturers who knowingly sold and promoted this dangerous chemical. This bill will allow the Attorney General to pursue public nuisance claims against lead manufacturers and hold them accountable,” said Ramos- Busot.
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About the Sierra Club: The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information about our work in New Jersey, visit www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey.