Directs New Jersey to Reenter the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (Jan 29, 2018)

This E.O. mandates that DEP and BPU begin the process of reentering the state into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and its CO2 Budget Trading Program. The EO names the DEP Commissioner and BPU President as New Jersey’s appointments to the RGGI Board of Directors once the process of rejoining is complete. Under this EO, DEP must create a framework for how RGGI funds will be allocated.

This E.O. directs the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to fully implement the Offshore Wind Economic Development Act (OWEDA) and begin the process of moving the state toward a goal of 3,500 megawatts of offshore wind energy generation by the year 2030. With this Order, Governor Murphy also established the Interagency Taskforce on Offshore Wind, comprised of the BPU, DEP, EDA, Treasury, and DOL to work collaboratively to establish and support vibrant an offshore wind market in the state.

E.O. 23 directs the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to develop guidance for all state departments to incorporate environmental justice considerations into their actions. The guidance document will provide a framework for Executive Branch agencies and departments on how to consider environmental and health impacts of their programs and policies in overburdened communities. It seeks to bring state agencies and departments together to tackle the many complex environmental justice issues related to quality of life, including housing, health, transportation and strategic enforcement actions. This E.O. also directed the creation of the Environmental Justice Advisory Council (“EJAC”).

This E.O. directs state agencies to develop an updated Energy Master Plan (EMP) that provides a path to 100 % clean energy by 2050. The new EMP is to be delivered by June 1, 2019. The EMP will integrate the programs established in these bills and will facilitate the implementation of EO No. 8. For example, include recommendations consistent with the Offshore Wind Strategic Plan and community solar plans.

This E.O. establishes a Council for the Wind Innovation and New Development (WIND) Institute to develop a plan for the creation of a hub for the offshore wind industry. The Council will recommend the WIND Institute’s governance structure, identify sources of funding and gaps in existing resources, and develop and recommend the organization’s functions to promote job creation, workforce development and training, research & development, and capital investment. 

This E.O. establishes a Statewide Climate Change Resilience Strategy and establishes a Climate and Flood Resilience Program within the DEP, led by a Chief Resilience Officer. The EO also creates an Interagency Council on Climate Resilience, comprised of 16 state agencies, to develop action plans that will promote the long-term mitigation, adaptation, and resilience of NJ’s economy, communities, infrastructure, and natural resources.

This E.O. raises New Jersey’s offshore wind goal from 3,500 MW of offshore wind-generated electricity by 2030 to 7,500 MW by 2035. Also directs BPU, DEP, and others with responsibilities under OWEDA to take all necessary actions to promote the development of wind energy off the coast of New Jersey to meet the new goal. This Order rescinds the previous goal of 3,500 MW of offshore wind energy generation by 2030.

This E.O. directs the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to reform regulations to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change via “Protecting Against Climate Threats” (PACT), while establisheing greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting programs.

Executive Order No. 221 establishes the Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy. Housed within the Governor’s Office, the Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy will focus on the interlocking priorities of addressing climate change, ensuring New Jersey’s clean energy future, and transitioning to a green economy while prioritizing equity and environmental justice.

The Climate Office shall be headed by an Executive Director appointed by the Governor.

The Executive Director is hereby authorized to call upon any Executive Branch department or agency to supply the Climate Office with information or other assistance as the Executive Director determines necessary to discharge the Director’s duties under this Order. Each Executive Branch department and agency is hereby required, to the extent not inconsistent with law, to cooperate fully with the Executive Director within the limits of each department’s or agency’s statutory authority, and to furnish such assistance on as timely a basis as is necessary to accomplish the purpose of this Order.

This E.O. establishes an interim greenhouse gas reduction target of 50% below 2006 levels by 2030, strengthening New Jersey’s path to achieve an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

This E.O. increased New Jersey’s offshore wind goal by nearly 50 percent to 11,000 megawatts (MW) by 2040. The Executive Order also directs the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to study the feasibility of increasing the target further.

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order to Accelerate Target Of 100% Clean Energy By 2035, Defined As 100% Of The Electricity Sold In The State To Come From Clean Sources Of Electricity By January 1, 2035 Through Clean Energy Market Mechanisms, Paired With Support For A Clean Energy Standard In New Jersey.

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order to Target To Install Zero-Carbon-Emission Space Heating And Cooling Systems In 400,000 Homes And 20,000 Commercial Properties And Make 10% Of All Low-To-Moderate Income (LMI) Properties Electrification-Ready By 2030.

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Initiating a Process In Partnership With The State’s Hometown Utilities, Key Stakeholders Including Organized Labor, And The New Jersey Board Of Public Utilities (BPU) To Plan For The Future Of The Natural Gas Utility In New Jersey