Campaign to advance equitable, affordable clean energy policies in New Jersey and counter misinformation

Trenton, NJ (August 1, 2023) – New Jersey environmental advocates today launched the Clean Energy Action Now (CLEAN) campaign to raise awareness of the health, economic and climate benefits of an equitable clean energy future for New Jersey. The campaign supports the urgent adoption of policies that encourage and accelerate clean energy solutions such as establishing a state target in law of 100% clean electricity by 2035 and an equitable, affordable pathway to upgrade New Jersey’s homes and buildings, which make up 26% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions, to clean energy and highly efficient appliances such as heat pumps.

CLEAN will work to ensure that policy makers and the public have fact-based information about the health, economic, and environmental benefits of clean energy and the transition away from fossil fuels and also correct misinformation being disseminated by vested interests that profit from continuing our reliance on polluting fossil fuels.

The following organizations are founding members of CLEAN:

Acadia Center
Environmental Defense Fund
Natural Resources Defense Council
New Jersey Conservation Foundation
New Jersey League of Conservation Voters
ReThink Energy NJ
Sierra Club New Jersey Chapter
New Jersey Progressive Equitable Energy Coalition
MnM Consulting

Climate change isn’t slowing down and neither can we. This summer alone, New Jerseyans have struggled with dangerous air quality stemming from Canadian wildfires and several days of dangerous extreme heat driven by climate change. Founding CLEAN members believe that through advocacy, education and policy, New Jersey must move further faster toward meeting its clean energy goals.

“Let’s stop with the lies and scare tactics and work towards a clean energy future, together. Delaying the adoption of New Jersey’s clean energy goals is costing consumers money and denying New Jerseyans the benefits of more comfortable, healthier, all-electric homes,” said Barb Blumenthal, Research Director, New Jersey Conservation Foundation.

“At the end of the day, what we’re pushing for is cleaner air. My child’s health is jeopardized when he plays outside due to poor air quality, and also indoors because of our exposure to particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and other toxins. We need healthier air both indoors and outdoors. ” said Anjuli Ramos-Busot, NJ State Director for the Sierra Club.

“The facts are undeniable: transitioning from fossil fuels to clean, efficient electric appliances will save New Jersey utility customers money, improve our health, and protect us from the worst impacts of climate change,” said Karla Sosa, Project Manager, New Jersey State Affairs Environmental Defense Fund.

“Clean energy opponents, such as the NJ Fuel Merchants Association, have one purpose – continuing to profit from the sale of polluting fossil fuels – and they’ll say anything to dissuade utility customers from switching to electric appliances that are affordable, better for their health and reduce harmful emissions,” added Nicole Miller, Vice Chair, New Jersey Progressive Equitable Energy Coalition (NJPEEC).

“New Jerseyans recognize how climate change is fueling the extreme heat and wildfire smoke that has become all too common this summer. They are demanding action from our state leaders to move forward, faster toward our clean energy goals. Yet the fossil fuel industry in New Jersey has resorted to delay tactics, misinformation, and sensationalism to deny us an affordable, healthier, and more resilient clean energy future. We cannot allow it to continue,” said Tom Gilbert, Campaign Director, ReThink Energy New Jersey.

“Clean energy and affordability go hand in hand. As New Jerseyans begin to reap millions of dollars in federal rebates and incentives to upgrade their homes and businesses with clean energy, our state leaders must seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to usher in a new era of clean energy that lowers costs for everyday New Jerseyans. The longer we delay, the more it will cost us,” said Eric Miller, Director of New Jersey Energy Policy at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council).

“Low-income New Jerseyans who are struggling with years of rising methane gas rates and disproportionate exposure to pollution from fossil fuels deserve relief. We must act now to accelerate programs and policies that can deliver cleaner air, healthier communities, and lower energy bills,” said Allison McLeod, Senior Director of Public Policy, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters.

About CLEAN:
Clean Energy Action Now (CLEAN), is a campaign dedicated to increasing awareness of the health, economic, and climate benefits of an equitable clean energy future. We support policies that encourage and accelerate the adoption of solutions such as electric vehicles and all-electric homes powered by 100% clean energy by 2035. Rather than allow the polluting fossil fuel industry to stall New Jersey’s energy future, CLEAN works to move New Jersey forward faster toward a clean energy future that creates jobs and builds healthier communities. To find out more about the campaign, visit https://cleanenergyactionnow.org/.