Environmental group Vote Solar issues roadmap for NJ energy efficiency

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Washington, D.C.- based Vote Solar on Monday issued a report, “New Jersey Equitable and Resilient Solar + Storage Policy Roadmap,” as a plan toward using solar energy to achieve economic prosperity and environmental benefits.

The report has been endorsed by Environment New Jersey, the New Jersey Sustainable Business Council, the New Jersey chapter of the Sierra Club, UU Faith Action NJ, and other environmental organizations.

Vote Solar identifies four key policy concepts which include energy planning to combine resilient, sustainable and healthy communities; accessibility and affordability; community wealth and economic resilience; and community engagement and inclusive planning.

“Everybody should be able to share the benefits of clean energy and renewable energy no matter where you live or how much money you make,” Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, said. “We believe it is even more important to get solar and energy efficiency programs targeted in communities that have a disproportionate burden of pollution. People who live in low and moderate communities deserve the benefits that come with renewable energy. This will help create green jobs and provide economic benefits to these areas. More importantly, providing clean renewable energy will help reduce potential health impacts of dirty energy while transitioning away from dirty energy.”

The Clean Energy Act is a first step toward a renewable energy future in New Jersey. Implementing the New Jersey Equitable and Resilient Solar + Storage Policy Roadmap will ensure that New Jersey’s low-income families get the strongest protections, incentives and support to aid in a just and equitable transition to a clean energy future.