MCKEON: CORZINE GREENHOUSE PLAN MODEL FOR NATION

MCKEON: CORZINE GREENHOUSE PLAN MODEL FOR NATION

ASSEMBLY ENVIRONMENT CHAIR COMMENDS 'RENEWABLE GOVERNOR'S' STEWARDSHIP ON ENVIRONMENT
 
(TRENTON) - Assemblyman John F. McKeon today said Gov. Jon S. Corzine's plan for reducing greenhouse emissions was a model for the nation.

"The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) in which New Jersey is part of a 10-state compact is the only law of its kind," said McKeon (D-Essex). "As the Obama administration advances its climate change bill, the groundbreaking greenhouse plan adopted by New Jersey under the stewardship of Gov. Corzine will serve as a model for the nation."

The Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee chairman made this point in his opening keynote address to introduce the Governor at Wednesday's energy conference at Rutgers.

RGGI implements the Global Warming Response Act that calls for a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020 followed by a further reduction of 80 percent by 2050.

"The goal of reducing green house gas by 20 percent in the next 11 years is one thing but it's quite another to cobble together all that it will take to achieve that goal," McKeon said. "Gov. Corzine's nationally acclaimed Energy Master Plan does just that."

McKeon highlighted the Governor's environmental record and accomplishments.

He asserted that the greatest testament to the Corzine approach to global warming, through RGGI and the Energy Master Plan was President Obama's choice of Lisa Jackson to join his cabinet as head of the EPA.                                                                           

"The nation will soon follow the Corzine plan," he said.

One of the state's foremost advocates for renewable energy sources like wind and solar, McKeon pointed to unprecedented initiatives under the Corzine administration, including approval of a 3,000 megawatt offshore wind project that would power one-third of the state's households when completed.

"It is also under this administration that we have one of the strongest solar programs in the nation and aggressive plans to power an alternative energy economy and create hundreds of thousands of green jobs," McKeon said.

McKeon concluded that he looked forward to continuing to work with "Our 'Renewable Governor' " to advance New Jersey's environmental and energy agenda.

                              
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Contact;

Chairman McKeon
Gita Bajaj (973) 224-4851 cellular