Democrat,

We all know that climate change poses an existential threat and that more must be done to stop it. New Jersey has taken many steps along this path already, but yesterday Governor Phil Murphy announced one of the most important new climate initiatives of his first term. The state is investing $100 million in clean, equitable transportation projects, which will lower greenhouse gas emissions while also improving air quality, especially in urban areas. 

Governor Murphy’s announcement also creates the new Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy, as well as the New Jersey Council on the Green Economy. Both of these new bodies will help New Jersey meet the Governor’s bold, transformative goal of moving toward 100% clean energy by 2050. 

These announcements show Governor Murphy’s commitment not only to fighting climate change, but also to promoting environmental justice. Parts of the funding   will go towards helping urban municipalities purchase electric school buses, garbage trucks and other major vehicle infrastructure, which will significantly improve air quality in those communities. The program will also encourage the creation of new union jobs, helping working families. 

These funds come, in part from changing the failed policies of the Christie years- starting with rejoining RGGI- the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.  Chisite took us out of this critical group, Phil Murphy is putting New Jersey back on the path of being a leader on environmental justice and fighting climate change. 

Governor Murphy is continuing to live up to his title as the “Greenest Governor in America,” making sure that New Jersey is both doing its part to fight climate change and taking advantage of opportunities to build a new green economy. 

— NJDSC Team