| STATE LEADING IN COMMITMENT TO REDUCE GREEN HOUSE GAS EMISSIONS NJDEP Praises Partners for Environmental Quality's, Inc. (PEQ) New Pledge to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 7 Percent by 2010 (02/130) Trenton, NJ --- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today signed the New Jersey Global Climate Change Covenant with Partners for Environmental Quality, Inc. (PEQ), a New Jersey faith-based coalition. In signing, PEQ members pledge to increase their greenhouse gas reduction goal from 3.5 percent to 7 percent below 1990 baseline levels by 2010 and to promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficient measures in their places of worship. "I applaud PEQ's promise for a new and stronger commitment to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7 percent below 1990 baseline levels by 2010," said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "PEQ's action is consistent with Governor McGreevey's vision to promote sustainable development and resource-efficient energy consumption. The most recent example of this is the state's commitment to procure 12% of its energy from renewable resources - one of the strongest state commitments to renewable energy in the nation." To help PEQ reach its greenhouse gas reduction goal DEP will provide technical assistance through two seminars funded by USEPA' s Energy Star training program. The training will help congregations identify the most effective ways to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water and reduce solid waste through recycling. PEQ's "Getting 10 to 10 percent" Program, funded by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), will conduct energy audits in 10 congregations. The selected groups will receive a report showing how to reduce energy consumption by 10 %. They will also receive estimates of the environmental and financial benefits of these changes. "I commend Governor McGreevey and the Partnership for Environmental Quality, Inc. on their leadership for a cleaner environment," said Jeanne M. Fox, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. "The PEQ's partnership with the state is important because it promotes education, activism and a collective voice for the environment." Commissioner Campbell closed by calling on the federal government to provide national leadership on greenhouse gas reduction programs. "While expanded research is valuable, it can not be used as an excuse to delay taking action. The federal government must step up to the plate with a meaningful national strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and avoid the potentially devastating consequences of global warming." | 
