LAMPITT/DeANGELO/COUTINHO BILLS TO GREEN NEW JERSEY SCHOOLS & STATE OFFICES CLEARS ASSEMBLY PANEL

Legislation Assembly members Pamela Lampitt, Wayne P. DeAngelo and Albert Coutinho sponsored to further promote the state’s efforts to conserve energy and improve efficiency in state buildings and public schools today was released by the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee.

The lawmakers crafted measures (A-3082 and A-3596) as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency, conservation and increase environmental sustainability.

Last year, New Jersey was at the helm of national efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by requiring a portion of all energy to come from renewable resources, it became the third state in the nation to enact the law preceding federal efforts to cut greenhouse gases.

“New Jersey must lead by example, by ensuring State buildings are making the most efficient use of energy resources,” said Lampitt (D-Camden). “We must take the initiative to implement green practices in state buildings which potentially can save New Jersey countless dollars in energy and water bills. Going green will not just save the state money – it has direct impacts on the health, well-being and productivity of state employees.”

The first bill (A-3082) crafted by Assemblywoman Lampitt would establish “green teams” within each main department of state government as well as certain agencies in the executive branch, Legislature and Judiciary to improve energy conservation and efficiency across State government.

The bill would apply to all State agencies that fit the following criteria:

· allocated in but not of a principal department of State government; and

· has at least 50 employees, and is housed in whole or in part in a facility separate from the principal department; or

· any independent State authority that has at least 50 employees.

Under the legislation, each “green team” would facilitate the exchange of ideas and information on energy conservation and efficiency and environmental sustainability through conferences and coordinating with other State offices and employees.

The measure would require each ‘green team’ to prepare an annual report for the President of the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and the Director of Energy Savings that provides an overview of the team’s energy conservation and efficiency and environmental sustainability missions, goals, developments, achievements, programs, projects, and training and outreach efforts. In addition, the BPU President and Director of Energy Savings would be required to share this information with all state and local government offices, the private sector and the public.

The second measure (A-3596) sponsored by Assemblymen DeAngelo and Coutinho would require the replacement of incandescent light bulbs in public school building with compact fluorescent light bulbs.

“Requiring public schools to replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs whenever possible is a change schools can make that would save local taxpayers’ money without sacrificing the quality of our children’s’ education,” said DeAngelo. “Making environmentally-sound lifestyle changes can have huge long-term impacts on the expenses paid by public schools across the state.”

The bill requires boards of education to replace all incandescent light bulbs in public school buildings with compact fluorescent light bulbs within three years of the bill becoming law. The measure promotes the state’s energy efficiency efforts by expanding on a 2007 law that required all State buildings to replace incandescent lighting.

“This measure makes dollars and cents by reducing energy costs which are one of the greatest expenses shouldered by New Jersey schools,” said Coutinho. “In the current climate of a worldwide recession, we all have a responsibility to make cost effective decisions -- this measure would conserve energy which means lower energy bills for New Jersey schools.”

According to the United States Department of Energy, energy costs are the second highest expense for schools.

The first measure was released 7 to 0. It now heads to the Speaker who can decide when and if to post it for a vote. The second measure was released 7 to 0 and now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration.