ChargEVC Commends New Jersey For Its Participation To Develop Regional Program To Modernize Transportation And Reduce Vehicle Pollution
Highland Park, New Jersey (December 18, 2019) – Today Governor Phil Murphy, along with the Governors of nine Northeast and mid-Atlantic states and the Mayor of Washington DC, all members of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), announced that they will work together to curb the largest source of pollution that contributes to climate change. Most of these states have sat together to create the Regional Greenhouse Gas Imitative (RGGI), a CO2 cap and trade program for electric generators that rely on auctions to distribute emissions allowances. New Jersey is on track to re-join RGGI after pulling out in 2011.
ChargEVC, a coalition of diverse interests dedicated to accelerating the electrification of transportation, congratulates New Jersey on participating in this important initiative for our region. For too long, the cost of toxic air emissions has gone unaccounted for in our energy markets. Instead, these costs are borne disproportionately by our most vulnerable – our children, older citizens, everyone who lives proximate to travel corridors like the NJ Turnpike and Parkway, and those living in our urban centers.
This is one of many reasons that ChargEVC strongly urges our legislative leadership to move S2252/A4634 – landmark legislation that will accelerate the transition to transportation fueled by electricity – a fuel source that is significantly cleaner and grown close to home.
“With the recognition of the widespread economic and public health harm tailpipe emissions cause, we are pleased New Jersey will be among the leading states committed to figuring out how to appropriately value this harm and unleash resources to accelerate the way to a cleaner and sustainable transportation system across our region.