***MULTIMEDIA PACKAGE*** Assembly Democratic Commentary on Measure Promoting NJ-Based 'Green' Manufacturing

ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATIC COMMENTARY ON MEASURE PROMOTING NJ-BASED 'GREEN' MANUFACTURING

(TRENTON) - Assembly members Pamela R. Lampitt, Wayne P. DeAngelo, Gary S. Schaer and Jack Conners today issued a multimedia package on legislation, released from the Assembly State Government Committee, that would promote home-grown, in-state solar and wind energy manufacturing.

The bill (A-3616), sponsored by Lampitt (D-Camden) and DeAngelo (D-Mercer), would grant a preference to New Jersey businesses that produce alternative energy hardware when awarding state contracts involving solar and wind energy projects, further supporting New Jersey "green" businesses and jobs.  The measure also would support projects that aim to use a majority of parts manufactured or produced in the state in the assembly of a final project.

The multimedia package consists of a video on the bill, audio of same and a transcript of statements from the lawmakers.

The video can be accessed directly via our Web site - www.assemblydems.com - or by clicking here.

The audio file is available upon request.

A transcript of statements by the legislators is appended below:

Assemblyman Gary S. Schaer (D-Passaic):

"What this bill attempts to do is to make sure that there are manufacturing companies in New Jersey employing New Jersey citizens who are paying taxes to New Jersey to make those very same green mechanisms that will help New Jersey flourish in the future."

Assemblywoman Pamela R. Lampitt (D-Camden):

"If New Jersey's going to invest our state's dollars in solar or wind projects, we should be investing in New Jersey jobs and New Jersey companies. This legislation sends a strong message that the state is serious about protecting green jobs in the manufacturing industry."

Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo (D-Mercer):

"One of the great things here: we're creating jobs, which helps our revenue stream, which helps bring people off unemployment, creating good strong green-collar jobs."

Assemblyman Jack Conners (D-Camden):

"I believe it will save people money. It will save taxpayers money. It will save businesses money. It will save government money. This is the kind of legislation that we need."

DeAngelo:

"Right now, throughout the country, the need for solar power, the need for renewable energy components, you know, we're at a standstill. Jobs are being held up because we have a lack of components that are being imported from other countries. I think we'll put us on the forefront by manufacturing our own products."

Lampitt:

"If we can make parts and pieces more cost effective here in the state of New Jersey and transportation costs will be reduced, the overall cost of a project, cost to the taxpayer, will be intrinsically reduced. That's the focus of this particular bill. It's really a buy-in-New Jersey, manufacture-in-New Jersey, stay-in-New Jersey. It's all the components that are necessary to make New Jersey a leader in renewable energy."

The measure was released from committee by a 4-1 vote.  It now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

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