NJ Transit Faces Fiscal Cliff, Proposes 15% Fare Hike Across the Board
In January, New Jersey Transit announced its intention to raise bus and rail fares 13% to 15% while keeping service at current levels. This will be the first fare increase for NJ Transit riders in 10 years.
Greberis Receives Environmental Award
By George Moffatt • Jersey Shore Group
Stan Greberis, an Executive Committee member of the NJ Chapter of the Sierra Club, was honored recently by Gov. Phil Murphy and Sean LaTourette, commissioner of the DEP, for inventing a device that removes chlorine from swimming pool wastewater.
EPA Proposal May Help Save the Sturgeon
By Tony Hagen • editor@newjersey.sierraclub.org
With sturgeon on the brink of extinction in the Delaware River, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced a draft rule (graphic) that would ease one of the threats to this highly sensitive—some might say “canary”—fish. The EPA plans to set limits on how low oxygen levels can drop in the river.
Electric Semis Grow Up
The Tesla Semi can cover huge distances with minimal recharges and pull loads roughly equivalent to what diesel-powered semis can haul.
Walking the Walk - Environmentally - in Ireland
What would it be like to live in a place where the government and the people took threats to the environment and the effects of climate change seriously?
NJ Schools Still Contend With Lead Contamination
Recently, Eyewitness News NY reported that nearly 60% of schools in New Jersey notified parents that levels of lead in school drinking water were above the state and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maximum allowable level of 15 parts per billion (ppb).
Show Us More Leadership, Gov. Murphy
We were disappointed to see that when Gov. Phil Murphy gave his Jan. 9, 2004, State-of-the-State Address, he mentioned the climate crisis and the environment just once each throughout the entire 6,000 word talk, which was covered by innumerable media outlets and witnessed by people across New Jersey.
To Electrify Your Home, Start With a Plan
The advantages of home electrification are numerous. All-electric homes are cheaper to run. Modern electric appliances are highly efficient, they reduce your carbon footprint, and they keep indoor air cleaner because no fuel combustion occurs. Further, as utilities convert to greener energy, the electricity you use becomes cleaner. However, you do need to plan wisely to get the full advantages of electrification. Here's how:
NJ Transit Pulls Plug on Gas-Fired, 104 MW Kearny Plant
In its January announcement, NJ Transit said roughly $500 million in funding for the Kearny plant would be reassigned to cover several other Hurricane Sandy–related resiliency projects.
Electric School Bus Program Is Here! Finally!
It finally happened! Almost five years from when the New Jersey Chapter of the Sierra Club started its electric school bus campaign, the Electric School Bus Program is a reality!
New Offshore Wind Projects Approved
School Districts and Municipalities Qualify for Federal EV Tax Credits
The Treasury Department has announced the rules and procedures for school districts and municipal governments to receive tax credits from the federal government for any electric vehicle delivered starting in tax year 2023.
COP28 Puts Fox in Charge of Henhouse
After days of wrangling, the conferees called for “transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner.” Any good lawyer would have a field day exposing the low level of commitment there
NJ Chapter Donations
Thanks to the incredible efforts of our committed volunteers, the NJ Chapter of the Sierra Club is a dynamic change agent, but we do require some funding.
Trenton Tackles the Lead Problem With Cost Aid
Four years ago, Trenton began replacing lead service lines. The city exceeded the safe standard of 15 parts per billion, and the state Department of Environmental Protection was issuing fines for missing deadlines to replace city lead service lines with copper.
NJ Adopts ACCII
The NJ Department of Environmental Protection has adopted California’s Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) standards. This sets a goal of gradually increasing the share of electric and hybrid electric passenger vehicles sold in New Jersey to 100% by 2035, starting with model year 2027.
What’s the Hurry, Cap’n?
The number of documented whale collisions off the East Coast speaks to the wisdom of slower speeds for ocean-going vessels. The Sierra Club NJ Chapter has joined Congressman Frank Pallone in calling on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the US Coast Guard for vessel speed monitoring and enforcement.
“A Glass of Water, No Tire”
In the documentary Dark Waters, the ingestion of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) was compared to swallowing a tire. There are thousands of PFAS chemicals in use and littered about the environment—some estimate 12,000 kinds—but only a small proportion of these are regulated in New Jersey, which is perilous considering the highly adverse health effects attributed to these chemicals.
Why Diet Matters for the Planet and Your Health
By Judith Green • Co-Chair, Climate Committee; ExCom Member, North Jersey Group
“The hottest year was even hotter than expected,” read a recent headline in Science. If, like me, you want to do more to stave off the worst, then cast a more critical eye on diet. What we eat has a major climate impact, because food production generates high levels of the greenhouse gases (GHG) that underlie climate change.
The Chapter Warmly Welcomes More Volunteers!
Our Chapter extends a warm welcome to three new volunteers!
Thanks for Your Support!
The NJ Chapter of the Sierra Club wishes to thank all those who provided the Chapter with financial support during 2023. We value every donor and every donation. 100% of your gift stays within New Jersey to fund our local activities. Listed below are members and friends who contributed $100 or more during the calendar year.