New Jersey Bill On Table To Boost Solar In Equitable Way

New Jersey State Senator Troy Singleton recently introduced the NJ Clean Energy Equity Act, S. 2484, to help low-income New Jersey families benefit from solar, storage and energy efficiency. Senator Singleton explains the necessary and positive step:

“All New Jerseyans — regardless of their zip code or socio-economic status — must have access to the many economic and environmental benefits that solar energy can provide. Our proposal establishing the Office of Clean Energy Equity will ensure that clean energy reaches every corner of our state, especially those communities that have been traditionally underserved.”

“New Jersey’s low-income families and #environmentaljustice communities have the most to gain from #cleanenergy savings, new local jobs and reduced fossil fuel pollution,” —@PariKasotia, Mid-Atlantic Director of @votesolar https://t.co/UIYctg9oyT #CleanEnergy4NJ

— New Jersey LCV (@NJLCV) May 20, 2020

The bill is the first step in implementing the New Jersey Equitable and Resilient Solar + Storage Policy Roadmap, which outlines how New Jersey can help 250,000 low-income families benefit from solar and energy efficiency, and install 400 megawatts of storage by 2030.

Everyone should be able to wash their hands, keep the lights on, and stay in touch. But millions of families are at risk of losing access to essential utilities they can't afford in this crisis. Join the call for a national moratorium: #NoShutoffs! https://t.co/kxsfi36bJu pic.twitter.com/OEWdcctAFu

— Vote Solar (@votesolar) April 24, 2020

We keep seeing the slashtag #We’re all in this together. However, it will take more policy changes and bills such as this to make that actually ring true. Business interests do not usually act as if we are all in this together. Solar Power World reports more of the Vote Solar news from New Jersey:

“Building energy resilience in low-income communities will help reduce the harm of future financial crises on our most vulnerable communities. While the moratorium on utility shut-offs is a positive step, investing in solar and storage will provide sustainable savings to low-income households and environmental justice communities, as well as local jobs and economic investment. As New Jersey begins to consider how to build back better, the Clean Energy Equity Act will provide the direction and tools to create a stronger, more resilient, and sustainable post-COVID New Jersey.

“’New Jersey’s low-income families and environmental justice communities have the most to gain from clean energy savings, new local jobs and reduced fossil fuel pollution, particularly given the health and financial devastation of COVID-19,’ said Pari Kasotia, Mid-Atlantic Director for Vote Solar. ‘But existing policies fall short of ensuring that all of clean energy’s many benefits reach every New Jerseyan. NJ Clean Energy Equity Act fills a policy void that can make a difference in the everyday lives of New Jersey families month after month.’”

We’ll see if the bill is passed, and if it is, we will report back on its progress in The Garden State.

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