NEW JERSEY

With ever-increasing fuel prices, New Jersey’s economy is hurting. Our dependence on fossil fuels, such as oil, is fueling the problem of global warming. Already feeling the pressure of a slowing economy, New Jersey simply cannot afford the economic costs that unmitigated climate change will bring. Evidence shows that New Jersey stands to lose about 17,700 jobs unless we take aggressive action to slow the course of global warming. (i)

Furthermore, the predicted sea level rise by the end of the century spells a disaster for New Jersey homeowners and the shore economy. (ii)

Currently New Jersey depends on polluting technologies-burning coal and natural gas, especially-to supply its energy. (GRAPH WOULD GO HERE—small and integrated into text) (iii)

With a strong commitment to clean, renewable energy, we can fight global warming and put our economy back on track!

Already, New Jersey has the potential to supply a third of its energy demand from clean, renewable sources! (iv)

New Jersey has already taken steps to combat climate change. Through regional agreements and state legislation, the state will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and to 80% below 2006 levels by 2050. (v) Additionally, in 2006 the state mandated that 22.5% of its energy come from renewable sources by 2021. (vi)

With this progress toward a responsible energy policy, now is the time to demand comprehensive action to stop global warming. New Jersey can reduce its contribution to global warming while putting resident to work in cutting-edge, renewable energy industries. All we need is leadership to get us started.

SOURCES:

i. http://www.bluegreenalliance.org/site/c.enKIITNpEiG/b.3417259/

ii. http://www.nextgenerationearth.org/usstates/statelist/

iii. http://getenergyactive.org/fuel/state.htm

iv. http://www.ucsusa.org/assets/documents/clean_energy/Plugging_In_Renewable_Energy.pdf

v. http://www.pewclimate.org/what_s_being_done/in_the_states/emissionstargets_map.cfm

vi. http://www.pewclimate.org/what_s_being_done/in_the_states/rps.cfm