Climate advocates respond to RGGI Strategic Funding Plan on building electrification.
Murphy administration’s latest plan is strongest action to date to upgrade New Jersey homes with clean energy, increase consumer choice and access for low-income households

Trenton, NJ —- Today a coalition of climate advocates responded to the second iteration of New Jersey’s RGGI Strategic Funding Plan, which allocates funding to invest in equitable solutions to accelerate New Jersey’s clean energy future across multiple sectors. Included in the announcement is funding to invest in projects that increase energy efficiency and reduce energy burdens for low-income households, accelerate the adoption of all-electric, pollution-free homes, and boost workforce readiness to help New Jerseyans upgrade their homes with clean energy.

This announcement takes an important step toward meeting Gov. Phil Murphy’s goal to deploy heat pumps in 400,000 homes and 20,000 commercial properties by 2030.

Highly efficient, all-electric homes can help New Jersey households save money. A recent Acadia Center report demonstrates that New Jerseyans in an average insulated gas-heated home can save anywhere from 4% to 41% on their annual energy bills by adopting highly efficient electric appliances such as heat pumps, and up to 69% in a typical drafty home if paired with weatherization. That yearly energy savings puts thousands of dollars in people’s pockets for groceries, prescription costs, childcare, and other daily necessities.

Below are quotes from a coalition of climate advocates in support of the Murphy administration’s second RGGI strategic funding plan:

Eric Miller, Director of New Jersey Energy Policy at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):

“The Murphy administration’s RGGI Strategic Funding plan to provide highly efficient electric appliances to New Jersey homes and businesses, is a bold, transformative step that will provide increased options for low- and moderate-income consumers right as our state is set to receive billions in federal funding to help lower the cost of highly efficient appliances such as heat pumps. We look forward to seeing how these programs will not only boost adoption of more affordable options for consumers, but increase demand for good-paying jobs in the clean energy economy.”

Nicole Miller, Vice Chair, New Jersey Progressive Equitable Energy Coalition (NJPEEC):

“It will be heartening to see RGGI funds used to help those marginalized people who often suffer the worst effects of poor air quality from our reliance on fossil fuels. Increasing access to highly efficient appliances like heat pumps can not only bring our state closer to our clean energy goals but deliver real monthly savings and cleaner air for low-income New Jerseyans. By prioritizing low-income households for this three-year building electrification program, the Murphy administration is taking a strong step toward equitable climate action.”

Anjuli Ramos-Busot, NJ State Director for the Sierra Club: 

“We are eager to see the Murphy administration prioritizing the efficient electrification of our homes and businesses through the RGGI Strategic Funding plan. Building electrification is environmental protection from the inside out. Modern and efficient electric technologies are crucial to improving both our ambient and indoor air quality. Our clean energy transition not only happens out there on our grids, but also right here in our homes and shared spaces so that we can all breathe easier while taking action to reduce harmful climate pollutants.”

Barbara Blumenthal, New Jersey Conservation Foundation:

“The RGGI Strategic Funding Plan is an important step forward to deliver the health, environmental, and cost savings of highly efficient, all-electric homes for New Jerseyans across the state. We’re glad to see the Murphy administration is taking this strong step forward to ensure that all New Jerseyans can reap the benefits of a clean energy future.”

Allison McLeod, Senior Policy Director, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters: 

“We are excited to see the Murphy administration moving forward building decarbonization and equitable, clean transportation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health. We know we must reduce our emissions to mitigate the worst impacts of the climate crisis, the effects of which we are already feeling, and the RGGI strategic funding plan helps us move forward toward a clean energy future.”

Doug O’Malley, Director, Environment NJ: 

“The RGGI Strategic Funding Plan is an essential step to reduce climate pollutants from our homes and businesses – the second largest source of global warming pollutants in the state. We need to move away from fossil fuels heating our homes and this plan provides a road map on how to upgrade our homes with clean energy and prioritize energy savings for working class residents. In the same way that coal chutes were last century’s heating technology, moving off fossil fuels and towards electrification is this century’s path.”