Governor Phil Murphy marked the end of Earth Week by announcing significant new solar initiatives aimed at increasing accessibility and affordability for New Jersey residents. The state is on track to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035, with over 200,000 solar installations expected next month and five gigawatts of installed solar capacity this year.
"Earth Week is not just a time for reflection or contemplation. It is a time for action," said Governor Murphy. "New Jersey is all in on clean energy."
The Governor, joined by environmental advocates, elected officials, and community leaders, announced five major investments in clean energy to help reduce emissions by 80% by 2050. Among these investments is $156.1 million awarded to New Jersey through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Solar For All competition, part of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
This funding will support solar programs benefiting low-income communities through multi-family affordable housing projects, residential solar ownership pathways, community solar initiatives, workforce development, and grid upgrades.
Assistant to President Biden and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi emphasized the importance of this investment: “President Biden has delivered the largest investment in climate action and clean energy in history.”
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) also awarded a sizable investment last week to create 310 megawatts of grid-scale solar and the first state-incentivized energy storage project in New Jersey. This includes a 95-megawatt project that will be the largest in the state.
“The NJBPU thanks the Biden Administration and Governor Murphy for their continued leadership,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy.
Governor Murphy proposed $40 million in his Fiscal Year 2025 budget to modernize the electric grid with state matching funds leveraging federal grants. This initiative aims to enhance grid resilience and support union workforce development.
Additionally, the Community Solar Energy Program was highlighted with recent announcements of 225 megawatts of community solar projects and plans for an additional 275 megawatts under consideration by NJBPU.
Senator Bob Smith commented on New Jersey's leadership: “With the launch of this project, New Jersey continues to lead the charge toward a sustainable clean energy future.”
Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo emphasized affordability: “It is crucial that we keep affordability at the core of our transition.”
Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette from NJ Department of Environmental Protection praised ongoing efforts: “This Earth Week...the Murphy Administration is hard at work moving New Jersey toward an affordable clean energy future.”
The announcements were made in Berkeley Township where CS Energy’s Eagle Solar I and II projects are nearing completion. These projects will power approximately 1,600 homes while providing discounts to subscribers including low- and moderate-income customers.
Berkeley Township Mayor John Bacchione expressed gratitude: “This project achieves many goals...including providing green energy at a discounted rate.”
CS Energy Chief Commercial Officer Eric Millard noted: “Using community solar development...we were able to remediate a landfill untouched for more than 40 years.”
Union representatives including Robert Shimko from IBEW Local 400 highlighted job creation benefits while Michael E Hellstrom from LIUNA stressed training adaptation for new industries related to climate change.
Greg Lalevee from IUOE Local 825 appreciated Governor Murphy’s visionary approach towards sustainable infrastructure development which promises good-paying jobs for residents.
Environmental groups such as Sierra Club NJ Chapter Director Anjuli Ramos-Busot commended increased accessibility: "Our access to clean energy sources should never depend on zip-code."
Ed Potosnak from New Jersey League of Conservation Voters noted potential benefits: "Solar has the potential to meet 30-40% of energy capacity needs by 2050."
Nicole Miller from Clean Energy Jobs Coalition NJ called for continued commitment towards equitable projects ensuring life-sustaining jobs while Donna De Costanzo from NRDC lauded leadership tackling climate crisis challenges.
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