Smith, Greenstein Bill to Require All Electric Power be from Zero-Carbon Sources by 2050 Passed Committee

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senate Environment and Energy Committee Chair Senator Bob Smith and Vice Chair Senator Linda Greenstein, which would require all electric power sold in New Jersey to be from zero-carbon sources by the year 2050, passed the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

“As a coastal state, New Jersey is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and sea-level rise. According to some scientific projections, by 2030 sea levels will rise by 10 inches along some sections of the coast. New Jersey ranks second, behind only Florida, in the number of homes and structures most at risk of chronic flooding,” said Senator Smith (Middlesex/Somerset). “Thankfully New Jersey has already been working to mitigate the problems bound to arise from climate change, but much more needs to be done.”

“The time is now to save New Jersey,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “We only have so many years left before the effects of climate change will permanently cripple New Jersey. But if we take the necessary steps now, we will be able to save the state for generations to come.”

The bill, S-3681, would require the BPU to adopt an emissions portfolio standard that would eliminate carbon emissions from the power generation sector by 2050.

The BPU, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), would be required to adopt the carbon emissions portfolio standard.  The carbon emissions portfolio standard would include a multi-year schedule, with gradual emissions reduction requirements to require that all power sold to customers in the state by electric power suppliers and basic generation service providers are derived from sources that have zero carbon emissions.

The bill was released from committee by a vote of 4-0.