Murphy Formally Rejoins RGGI

Governor Phil Murphy has formally notified governors of states that belong to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative of his administration’s commitment to rejoining the regional climate-change compact. This follows the Governor’s January Executive Order putting our state back into the initiative. There is legislation already signed by the Assembly and up on the Senate floor this afternoon to not only implement RGGI but prevent future Governors from pulling out. RGGI is currently comprised of Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

“Governor Murphy is continuing the process to get New Jersey back into RGGI by formally notifying the Governors of the other participating states. This is an important step to work with other states in our region to move forward on fighting back against climate change. People in our state have seen the impacts of climate change firsthand and demand action. Rejoining RGGI is the first step towards a greener future. RGGI worked to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 20 million tons and created 1,800 green jobs in the state. The money collected from RGGI will help environmental programs, expand renewable energy, create jobs, reduce greenhouse gases, and help middle class families save money on their electric bills,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

A report by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners found that New Jersey’s participation in RGGI created $151 million in economic value and almost 1,800 jobs in our state.  Throughout the region, RGGI saved customers $1.1 billion on their electric bills and $174 million on gas bills, offsetting the $912 million paid by customers.  RGGI’s energy efficiency programs helped keep $765 million in regional economy instead of going to out of state fossil fuel interests, including natural gas and coal.

“RGGI worked for other states and now New Jersey can join in and enjoy the environmental and economic benefits that the other states have reaped. When New Jersey participated in the program, the state achieved the RGGI greenhouse gas reduction goal of 10% in the first three years.  RGGI generated $700 million for investment in clean energy and energy efficiency and created 16,000 new jobs since the program started. New York is investing $300 million in a clean energy bank to give out loans to businesses with revenue from the RGGI program,” said Jeff Tittel. “A lot has changed since Christie pulled us out of RGGI. Once we rejoin, we need to work alongside other states to modernize and update the initiative.”

With the Trump Administration’s constant rollbacks of environmental regulations and denial of climate change, it’s more important than ever that New Jersey creates strong environmental goals. Governor Murphy has strong environmental and clean energy goals and rejoining RGGI is just the beginning. He wants New Jersey to transition to clean energy, fight climate change, focus on environmental justice and protect our state’s water and water resources.

“Not only is it good for our state but rejoining RGGI also sends a message to the Trump Administration. It’s up to the states to work together to reduce greenhouse gasses because the fossil fool in the White House won’t. We must protect our environment, reduce carbon pollution, and move our state forward economically.  RGGI is a win-win for New Jersey,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “Rejoining RGGI is the first step in fighting climate change in New Jersey. We need to commit to 100% renewable energy by 2030 and focus on solar and wind power. We can work with other states to make RGGI stronger and improve air quality for the entire region. We need to stand together and fight against climate change.”