VIDEO AND TEXT: MENENDEZ INTRODUCES CORZINE AT SENATE HEARING, TOUTS NJ’S LEADERSHIP ON CLEAN ENERGY

WASHINGTON – This morning, U. S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) introduced New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine before his testimony at a U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on clean energy and jobs. Menendez’s introduction highlighted New Jersey’s national leadership in clean energy development and related job growth.

Menendez said that programs Gov. Corzine has initiated “will not only create jobs, but reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the quality of life for millions of New Jersey’s citizens. He is leading my home state out of this deep recession by creating jobs, saving energy, and building the foundations of a green energy economy that will serve New Jersey for decades to come.  And so I can’t think of anyone better to be before the committee to help you as you deal with this issue.”

Video available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJMNJnsSU_0

Text of introduction, as prepared for delivery:

M. Chairman, Ranking Member Inhofe and Members of the Committee… It is my sincere honor today to help introduce Governor Jon Corzine at this hearing on clean energy jobs and economic growth.
 
As Governor Corzine himself has said “a healthy economy and a healthy environment are inextricably linked.”  By leveraging existing industries and creating new ones, New Jersey is paving the way for a clean economy and a healthy economy.

The Governor’s past experience in finance and as a United States Senator has allowed him to appreciate how important it was to embrace the Recovery Act and use its resources as quickly and effectively as possible. 

The Council of Economic Advisers has estimated that New Jersey’s use of funds from the Recovery Act has created or saved 100,000 jobs over the next 2 years. Many of these jobs are in the clean energy and environmental protection sectors.

For example, New Jersey is distributing $20 million in competitive grants for innovative energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at state facilities, including public colleges and universities. The Governor also recently announced that the state will use Recovery Act funds for a much needed wetlands restoration project that in turn will create 100 new construction related jobs.

The Governor is also working with businesses to close the skills gaps in the emerging green economy. The New Jersey Green Job Training Partnership Program builds on existing partnerships between industry and educational institutions, and offers apprenticeship opportunities for a 21st century energy industry.  Over the past three years, nearly two thousand New Jersey workers have been trained in the clean energy sector.

I could go on and on about Governor Corzine’s statewide energy efficiency program, his Clean Energy Manufacturing Fund, his groundbreaking Energy Master Plan, or his continued efforts to finance mass transit and smart growth policies.

All of these impressive programs will not only create jobs, but reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the quality of life for millions of New Jersey’s citizens.

He is leading my home state out of this deep recession by creating jobs, saving energy, and building the foundations of a green energy economy that will serve New Jersey for decades to come. 

And so I can’t think of anyone better to be before the committee to help you as you deal with this issue. Thank you.

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