The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announced an additional $6 million investment to offset the cost of electric trucks in vulnerable communities.
The state is using funds from its participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The money, announced April 21, will be used to offset the cost of 16 new electric vehicles, including garbage trucks, dump trucks, and ambulances, as well as an e-mobility project in Jersey City.
“Gov. Murphy’s persistence in bringing clean energy, a green economy, and climate change reduction strategies to the Garden State will enable us to confront environmental challenges head on,” said NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. “The range of vehicles to be purchased with this latest investment will also demonstrate a broad suite of successful electric vehicle applications in the northern, southern, and central regions of New Jersey.”
The Murphy Administration is touting the announcement as evidence of its commitment to reducing climate pollution, while also supporting Earth Week’s 2022 global theme of Invest in Our Planet.
Proceeds from both the federal Volkswagen settlement and RGGI auctions have been used to purchase 362 electric trucks and buses statewide. The state will also be eligible to compete for infrastructure dollars, which can be used to further fund electrification.
The announcement follows news from earlier this week of a $15 million investment in nature-based infrastructure projects to help fight climate change. That initiative is also being funded by monies raised through RGGI auctions.
“Climate change is the greatest long-term threat to New Jersey’s people, communities, and economy,” said Gov. Phil Murphy in a statement announcing the program. “New Jersey proudly becomes one of the first states to invest proceeds from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative auctions into natural resource restoration and enhancement projects.”
A list of the latest projects funded by this round of RGGI auction proceeds can be found by clicking here.
