Wake up daily to our latest coverage of business done better, directly in your inbox.
Get your weekly dose of analysis on rising corporate activism.
The best of solutions journalism in the sustainability space, published monthly.
Select Newsletter
By signing up you agree to our privacy policy. You can opt out anytime.
New Jersey Leaves the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
[caption id="attachment_74566" align="alignright" width="235" caption="RGGI Comprises 10 states and several observing states and provinces"]
[/caption]
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R) announced that his state is leaving the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a cap-and-trade scheme involving 10 northeastern states. During a press conference, Christie called the RGGI a “failure,” and claimed it is “not effective in reducing greenhouse gases and is unlikely to be in the future.” He described the RGGI as “nothing more than a tax on electricity, a tax on our residents and on businesses with no discernible effect on our environment.”
The RGGI released a statement, stating that the initiative “will continue.” Over $700 million have been invested region-wide in “the clean energy economy” thanks to the RGGI, the statement pointed out. The RGGI has also saved consumers money and created jobs, the statement said.
The environmental groups, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) outline the benefits of the RGGI. Since enacted, the RGGI brought over $35 million of investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to New Jersey. Region-wide greenhouse gas emissions have decreased 30 percent. The region’s economy has grown by over $2.6 billion. Energy costs are 15 to 30 percent lower, partly due to RGGI-funded energy efficiency programs. Energy efficiency programs funded by the RGGI through 2010 created almost 18,000 jobs a year.
“In pulling out of RGGI, New Jersey would be turning its back on a program that has proven to be effective in helping to move our State toward a clean energy future,” said Barbara Brummer, New Jersey State Director, TNC. “We urge the governor to reconsider his position, and we encourage New Jersey citizens to contact their state legislators to urge continuation of RGGI.”
"Governor Christie is putting the profits of out-of-state oil interests over the well-being of his own citizens,” said Dale Bryk, Director of the Energy Program at the NRDC. The Americans for Prosperity recently launched radio and television ads attacking the RGGI. Koch Industries is a major contributor to AFP.
A new poll by Public Policy Polling found that 74 percent of likely voters want New Jersey to invest in renewable energy sources rather than import fossil fuels. Here are findings:
[/caption]
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R) announced that his state is leaving the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a cap-and-trade scheme involving 10 northeastern states. During a press conference, Christie called the RGGI a “failure,” and claimed it is “not effective in reducing greenhouse gases and is unlikely to be in the future.” He described the RGGI as “nothing more than a tax on electricity, a tax on our residents and on businesses with no discernible effect on our environment.”
The RGGI released a statement, stating that the initiative “will continue.” Over $700 million have been invested region-wide in “the clean energy economy” thanks to the RGGI, the statement pointed out. The RGGI has also saved consumers money and created jobs, the statement said.
The environmental groups, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) outline the benefits of the RGGI. Since enacted, the RGGI brought over $35 million of investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to New Jersey. Region-wide greenhouse gas emissions have decreased 30 percent. The region’s economy has grown by over $2.6 billion. Energy costs are 15 to 30 percent lower, partly due to RGGI-funded energy efficiency programs. Energy efficiency programs funded by the RGGI through 2010 created almost 18,000 jobs a year.
“In pulling out of RGGI, New Jersey would be turning its back on a program that has proven to be effective in helping to move our State toward a clean energy future,” said Barbara Brummer, New Jersey State Director, TNC. “We urge the governor to reconsider his position, and we encourage New Jersey citizens to contact their state legislators to urge continuation of RGGI.”
"Governor Christie is putting the profits of out-of-state oil interests over the well-being of his own citizens,” said Dale Bryk, Director of the Energy Program at the NRDC. The Americans for Prosperity recently launched radio and television ads attacking the RGGI. Koch Industries is a major contributor to AFP.
A new poll by Public Policy Polling found that 74 percent of likely voters want New Jersey to invest in renewable energy sources rather than import fossil fuels. Here are findings:
- 60 percent said they would be willing to pay an extra 75 cents a month on their energy bill, an amount that is higher than estimated costs, to reduce air pollution from power plants and invest in renewable energy
- 61 percent said they would support a program that mitigated climate change while creating jobs and cultivating a clean energy economy in New Jersey
- 69 percent said they think generating solar and offshore wind energy in the state is a better way for New Jersey to get electricity than burning coal
Gina-Marie is a freelance writer and journalist armed with a degree in journalism, and a passion for social justice, including the environment and sustainability. She writes for various websites, and has made the 75+ Environmentalists to Follow list by Mashable.com.
