For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Jackie Greger, Jackie.Greger@sierraclub.org
Coalition of Pro-Environment Legislators and Advocates Call for Passage of the Energy Leadership Act Bill During Lame Duck
Environmental champions in the Legislature joined with advocates from across the state today to ask the Senate Budget Committee to advance historic clean energy legislation at its Dec. 8 hearing.
The New Jersey Energy Leadership Act would put New Jersey on the path to 100% clean electricity by 2035. This landmark legislation is designed to lower electricity costs and create union jobs by quickly bringing locally produced renewable energy online to respond to the growing energy affordability crisis.
“Last month’s election provided a clear mandate for bold action to lower energy prices,” said New Jersey LCV Executive Director, Ed Potosnak. “The New Jersey Energy Leadership Act will put our state at the forefront of lowering electricity prices for working families while creating union jobs in growing clean energy industries. This legislation is the centerpiece of Governor Murphy’s environmental legacy, and the time to act is now.”
The press conference came after months of thorough discussions between Governor Murphy, legislators and key stakeholders to create the strongest possible legislation that creates union jobs, strengthens environmental justice protections and addresses skyrocketing energy prices.
“The New Jersey Clean Energy Act of 2024 is a critical step toward lowering utility bills and making our energy system more affordable for every family in our state,” said Assemblyman Robert J. Karabinchak (D-Middlesex). “By expanding clean, reliable power, this bill will help to stabilize energy costs while cutting emissions. It also creates strong consumer protections and supports good-paying jobs as we transition to a cleaner grid. This is the kind of forward-looking policy New Jersey needs, one that protects both our environment and our wallets.”
"Clean energy is an environmental issue and a kitchen table budget issue. Energy demands are escalating fast. More than 50 data centers have been built or approved to be built in New Jersey with 100 more applications expected in the near future. While we grapple with how to address these new development pressures, these data centers are driving demand and prices. Clean energy is the fastest energy we can build and bring to market. Clean energy is also the least expensive type of energy for New Jersey residents and businesses," said Jennifer M. Coffey, Executive Director Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC). "Offshore wind and solar energy are also the cleanest forms of energy and will help us meet our climate change goals, which are incredibly important in the fastest warming state in the nation here in New Jersey."
“Making 100% clean energy the law in New Jersey is not just an essential climate goal—it’s an investment in healthier communities, stronger local economies, and long-term reliable and affordable energy," said Patty Cronheim of ReThink Energy NJ. "By balancing environmental responsibility with smart innovation, we can ensure a sustainable future that benefits every resident across the state and generations to come."
Trenton must lead on this issue more than ever in the face of dangerous environmental rollbacks from President Trump and his MAGA allies in Washington — which are causing energy costs to skyrocket to further enrich oil and gas billionaires.
“The goal of 100% Clean Energy by 2035 is achievable, when we have humane leadership that considers the future of our planet, and will host all of our descendants with a healthy earth, that has clean air, clean water, and clean soil,” said Sharonda Allen, MPA, Chapter Co-Chair, Greater New Jersey Gateway Chapter of the Climate Reality Project. “This can be achieved by sourcing our energy from clean, green energy such as Solar, and the re-ignition of Offshore Wind here in New Jersey! Our geography is well-suited for smart energy production that will produce jobs and help to lower electricity costs for all New Jerseyans.”
At the same time, November’s elections underscored a clear mandate from voters to lower energy costs by investing in clean, renewable energy. This legislation would ensure New Jersey has access to cleaner and cheaper energy that can be built much more quickly than dirty fossil fuels.
“The Energy Leadership Act is the legislature’s chance to deliver on energy affordability for New Jerseyans, and we need it to become law right now. Each day, working families are bearing an energy burden created by Big Tech and our grid operator, PJM. This landmark legislation would put our state on a path toward alleviating that burden by expanding large-scale, cheap, and fast, clean energy generation. We urge Speaker Coughlin and Senate President Scutari to do what is right for New Jerseyans by securing our clean energy progress, clean our air, and bring costs down by passing the Energy Leadership Act. We now urge Senator Sarlo to post S237 on the Senate Budget.” Anjuli Ramos-Busot, NJ Sierra Club Director
“New Jersey is known for innovation, and that pioneering spirit should carry into our push for cleaner, cutting-edge forms of energy that protect people’s health, safeguard our environment, and lower costs,” said Senator Angela McKnight (D- Hudson). “Clean energy is cheaper and faster to develop than fossil fuels, and it has the power to improve affordability for families while rapidly expanding our in-state generation. We must pass the Energy Leadership Act to meet the energy needs of our state, strengthen our grid, and secure a more sustainable future for the next generation.”
"New Jersey has the opportunity to lead the nation in building a clean energy future. As a proud sponsor of this legislation, I know that promoting 100% clean energy isn’t just about protecting our environment. It’s about protecting our communities, our economy, and the generations to come.” Said Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie (D- Essex and Passaic).
“This is a defining moment for our state. Climate change is not some far-off threat—we already feel its effects as it devastates our communities with more frequent storms, extreme heat, and rising sea levels,” said Senator Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer). “Governor Murphy’s vision for 100% clean energy by 2035 is an ambitious, yet necessary goal for New Jersey to mitigate these negative effects and help create a more sustainable planet. I commend the LCV and Sierra Club for leading the charge on this front.” Senator Linda Greenstein (D- Mercer and Middlesex).
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About the Sierra Club: The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information about our work in New Jersey, visit www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey