Lampitt, DeAngelo Bill Promoting NJ-Based Solar and Wind Energy Businesses Advances

LAMPITT/DeANGELO BILL PROMOTING NJ-BASED SOLAR AND WIND ENERGY BUSINESSES ADVANCES

Bill Designed to Promote Clean, Energy; Is Among Many Pushed by Assembly to Promote Alternative Energy

(TRENTON) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Pamela R. Lampitt and Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo to promote New Jersey's solar and wind energy businesses was released today by an Assembly committee.

The bill (A-3616) would grant a preference to New Jersey businesses in the awarding of state contracts for solar panels, wind turbines and other solar and wind energy devices further supporting "green" businesses and jobs in the state.

It also would support projects that aim to use a majority of parts manufactured or produced in the state for the assembly of a final product.

The lawmakers noted a study by the Center for American Progress and the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts estimated New Jersey could create more than 57,000 jobs through investments in alternative energies.

"Investing in 'green jobs' not only will help bolster New Jersey's reputation as home to cutting-edge technology companies, but will produce good-paying jobs for our world-class workforce during this economic crisis," said Lampitt (D-Camden). "Creating and promoting new opportunities for investment will pay-off huge for New Jersey and its residents for years to come."

"Other states are creating incentives or negotiating agreements to increase the use of renewable energy and encourage the growth of green businesses," said DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex). "We should be doing no less if we wish to keep New Jersey competitive and position it to emerge strong from this global economic crisis, a move that will help businesses, workers and ratepayers alike."

The bill is among numerous measures advanced by the Assembly in recent months to promote alternative energy amid the global economic crisis.

Under the bill, any contract for solar panels, wind turbines and other solar and wind energy devices to be paid with state money or by a grant or loan from the state to a governmental entity would be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder having its principal place of business or manufacturing facility in New Jersey.

The state Department of the Treasury, in consultation with the Board of Public Utilities, would be required to adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the measure, including establishing a list of eligible solar and wind energy devices, such as anemometers, and establishing a list of eligible related services, such as installation or retrofitting.

The bill was released by the Assembly State Government Committee by a vote of 4-1. It now goes to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

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