NJ Global Warming | Jan-13-07 Governor Corzine Calls for Sweeping Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in New Jersey

Jul-21-09 Governor Corzine Discusses "Green Revolution"; Says New Jersey Leading the Way

On February 13, 2007, Governor Jon S. Corzine signed an Executive Order to adopt proactive and ambitious goals for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey. The order specifically calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, approximately a 20 percent reduction, followed by a further reduction of emissions to 80% below 2006 levels by 2050. New Jersey is one of the first states in the nation to adopt such aggressive goals.

“Today we have taken steps to preserve our planet for our children and grandchildren by adopting aggressive goals for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” Governor Corzine said. “In the absence of leadership on the federal level the burden has now fallen upon state executives and legislatures to lead the way on this issue and I’m proud that New Jersey is helping to blaze that trail.”

To reach this goal, the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is working with the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and other stakeholders to evaluate methods to meet and exceed the 2020 and 2050 target reductions. The Governor's Executive order directs the DEP Commissioner, within six months, make specific recommendations to meet the targets while taking into account the economic benefits and costs of implementing these recommendations. This evaluation will be done in conjunction with the state’s Energy Master Plan, which will incorporate the new greenhouse gas reduction goal.