Trenton – More than 10 legislators are supporting Sen. Andrew Zwicker’s Budget Resolution S4468 to ensure that $70 million of Clean Energy Fund dollars are allocated to NJ Transit bus electrification capital projects, as specified in past budget language. The legislative support has also been backed by more than 40 organizations within the Jersey Renews coalition, which includes allies from labor, faith, community, and environmental organizations calling on state legislators to ensure dedicated funds are used for their intended purposes.
“The Clean Energy Fund was created to shift New Jersey to clean, renewable energy and fight off the effects of air pollution and climate change. By diverting these dollars from their original purpose, we exacerbate public health and social inequities tied to the impacts of pollution,” said Senator Andrew Zwicker, prime sponsor of the budget resolution. “We need to make sure that NJ Transit has the necessary funds to move forward with their bus electrification mandate to update ancient bus garages to allow them to charge electric buses to ensure we are cleaning up our air in overburdened communities. I look forward to working with my colleagues to achieve those goals in this year’s budget cycle.”
Despite New Jersey’s ambitious goals for a cleaner future through clean energy transition, Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed FY25 budget allocates $70 million from the Fund to support NJ Transit’s operating budget. To date, nearly $2 billion has been diverted from the Fund by current and former administrations rather than being invested in addressing climate change challenges.
“The bottom line is our public transportation system needs critical updates to meet the needs and demands of our community while maintaining public health. I am proud to support Senator Zwicker’s resolution to allocate funds to electric NJ Transit buses in order to address climate change,” said Sen. Vin Gopal.
Supporters of the budget resolution include Sen. Vin Gopal, Sen. Linda Greenstein, Sen. Andrew Zwicker, Sen. Patrick Diegnan, Sen. Raj Mukherji, Sen. Britnee Timberlake and Assemblywoman Shama Haider, Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez, Assemblywoman Alixon Collazos-Gill and Assemblywoman Garnet Hall.
“NJ Transit bus electrification is crucial to removing the chokehold that emissions have on our communities, making it harder for us to breathe and live healthy lives,” said Senator Raj Mukherji (D-32). “This investment will have a positive ROI in avoided healthcare costs and a reduction in expenditures on recovering from superstorms like Sandy and I am proud to advocate for this budget resolution.”
Ensuring these dollars are invested appropriately is critical for expanding various programs aimed at reducing air pollution, improving public health disparities, developing clean energy sources, lowering electricity bills, and creating good jobs.
“Redirecting money from the Clean Energy Fund to New Jersey Transit electrification isn’t just about modernizing infrastructure; it’s a commitment to a sustainable future. Every dollar invested in clean energy initiatives not only powers trains but fuels our journey toward a more resilient tomorrow. It’s imperative that we use this money for its intended purpose, honoring our duty both to the environment and the riders who depend on reliable service that prioritizes their health and safety,” said Assemblywoman Shama Haider (D-37).
Residents exposed to higher levels of air pollution often face detrimental health impacts that Fund investments aim to address.
“I am proud to sign on to Senator Zwicker’s budget resolution. Districts like mine rely heavily on public transportation, and my constituents cannot wait for clean air,” said Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez (D-31).
“Moving towards bus electrification will require more infrastructure funding,” added Assemblywoman Alixon Collazos-Gill (D-27).
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