What does the State Plan do?

• Advocates for reducing emissions from cars, trucks, and buses, and implementing more alternative fuel and electric vehicles.
• Promotes buildings that are more energy-efficient with better heating, cooling, and construction practices.
• Encourages a shift of energy production to renewable sources such as wind and solar.
• Provides guidance to modernize the power grid to distribute renewable energy efficiently.
• Encourages smart land use policies for walkable, bike-friendly, and transit-oriented communities.
• Recommends identification of forests, wetlands, and farmland that can be preserved and restored to absorb carbon dioxide, improve air quality, and protect the environment.

Why it matters:

• Cleaner transportation leads to less air pollution and healthier communities.
• Energy-efficient buildings reduce heating and cooling costs while also reducing energy consumption.
• Renewable energy reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and combats climate change.
• Walkable and bikeable neighborhoods make it easier to get around and decrease car use.
• Healthy ecosystems capture carbon, reduce flooding, and provide habitats for wildlife.
• A green economy creates well-paying jobs that drive innovation in clean energy and sustainable practices.

What does the State Plan do?

• Calls for the State to assist towns and cities assess climate risks like flooding, wildfires, and extreme heat and plan for them.
• Supports green cooling strategies like planting more trees and adding green roofs in urban areas.
• Promotes smart forest management, such as selective burning and clearing excess vegetation.
• Promotes stormwater planning to prevent floods, improve water quality, and protect ecosystems.

Why it matters:

• Protects communities and property from climate risks like floods, fires, and heat waves.
• Keeps urban areas cooler and healthier with more shade and less pavement.
• Restores forests and watersheds to absorb rainwater and reduce flood damage.
• Supports long-term planning to make New Jersey safer and more resilient for future generations.

What does the State Plan do?

• Calls for coordination of efforts to create a more detailed coastal and river management program that adapts to changing conditions.
• Calls for protection and restoration of natural habitats to reduce flooding and strengthen ecosystems.
• Promotes well-managed coastal communities that balance economic growth and environmental protection.
• Encourages greater public access to coastal and riverfront areas for recreation and tourism.
• Encourages responsible water use and protects water quality through better wastewater management and pollution controls.

Why it matters:

• Keeps New Jersey’s beaches, estuaries, and rivers healthy for recreation, tourism, and local economies.
• Reduces flood risks and strengthens ecosystems by restoring natural habitats.
• Supports smart growth while protecting the environment and ensuring public access.
• Protects the natural beauty of the coast while providing safe, enjoyable spaces for residents and visitors.
• Helps manage and protect water resources to ensure clean and accessible water.