New Jersey governor sets new interim greenhouse gas reduction goal

On Nov. 10, Gov. Phil Murphy announced a series of climate actions to further secure New Jersey’s clean energy future and protect residents, the economy, and the environment from the worsening impacts of climate change. The governor signed Executive Order No. 274 on the site of a solar field developed by CEP Renewables — the Mount Olive Solar Farm in Mount Olive, New Jersey

The order establishes an interim greenhouse gas reduction target of 50% below 2006 levels by 2030, strengthening New Jersey’s path to achieve an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Leveraging the proceeds from New Jersey’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), Gov. Murphy also announced a $13.7 million investment in electric buses and trucks to reduce emissions and improve air quality in overburdened communities. Additionally, the Governor announced a $20 million expansion of the New Jersey Zero Emission Incentive Program (NJZIP) into the greater Jersey Shore area. Together, these initiatives will reduce vehicle emissions from the transportation sector, which is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey and a major contributor to global warming and climate change.

“We must meet the devastating impacts of global warming and climate change, with bold intentional action,” said Gov. Murphy. “By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and electrifying our transportation sector, we are taking the critical steps to solidify New Jersey’s clean energy future, while also improving air quality in our underserved communities.”

News item from the Office of the Governor of New Jersey