Senate Committee Passes Clean Energy Standard for New Jersey

Advocates acknowledge progress, but call for additional amendments for a ‘squeaky clean’ renewable standard
Published Mar 14, 2024
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Climate and Energy

Advocates acknowledge progress, but call for additional amendments for a ‘squeaky clean’ renewable standard
Advocates acknowledge progress, but call for additional amendments for a ‘squeaky clean’ renewable standard

TRENTON, NJ – Today, the Senate Environment and Energy Committee voted in favor of a bill to establish a 100 percent “clean” energy standard for the state (S237). Over 100 organizations  to political leaders this month calling for the legislation to be strengthened – specifically by removing provisions that allowed for hydrogen blending and carbon capture schemes, both of which are expensive, unproven technologies that will only encourage more fossil fuel use. The letter also urged lawmakers to end the practice of counting garbage incineration as a form of renewable energy. 

Food & Water Watch New Jersey State Director Matt Smith issued the following statement:


 “Community groups and climate activists from all over the state have been pushing lawmakers to enact a clean energy standard that closes dirty energy loopholes and creates thousands of good green jobs. We thank Senator Smith for the progress made so far, but more work is needed to strengthen the bill. Specifically, we need clean energy to be defined as zero emissions, not net zero – which leaves the door open for dirty schemes like mis-named ‘renewable natural gas.’  We must pass a truly clean energy standard that makes New Jersey a national leader in the fight for clean air and a safe climate future.”

Press Contact: Peter Hart [email protected]

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