(TRENTON) - In light of the New Jersey Energy Master Plan's call for 30 percent of the state's energy to be produced from renewable sources by 2020, Assemblyman Reed Gusciora has introduced legislation which would mandate that new school construction include solar panels as part of the design.

Gusciora said using solar power in schools would not only help the state meet its energy goals, but also would save taxpayers money and promote growth in the "green jobs" sector.

"With the state prepared to invest $3 billion in new schools, it makes sense to ensure solar energy is considered from day one," said Gusciora (D-Mercer). "The initiative will not only promote renewable and efficient energy, but lead to the creation of countless new ‘green' construction jobs.  In addition, local property taxpayers will save as energy bills drop from schools going off-the-grid."

The energy master plan unveiled by Governor Jon Corzine Wednesday calls for the state to derive 30 percent of its electricity from renewable energy and cut statewide energy use 20 percent by 2020.  Schools are prime candidates for solar energy due to their expansive, flat roofs and location in more open areas.

Other government buildings, such as the National Guard Armory in Lawrenceville, currently use solar power to offset their consumption and pump surplus energy back into the commercial grid. Retrofitting buildings can be expensive, but costs are dramatically reduced if it is part of the design.

"Placing solar panels on schools can help replace our dependence on fossil fuels with clean, renewable energy," said Gusciora.  "This is a solid investment in our future.  Not only can we give kids better schools to learn in, we can also create a greener environment for them to live in."

The bill has been referred to the Assembly Education Committee.

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