A New Jersey lawmaker wants to speed the timetable for getting all of the state’s electricity from renewable energy sources.
Assemblyman Tim Eustace says his bill would require 100 percent of the electric power sold in the state to be from clean energy sources by the year 2035.
“This bill had originally been 2050. But as we see technology change and European countries have already reached these goals, there’s no reason why we can’t reach for the same goals.”
New Jersey Sierra Club director Jeff Tittel says that could be hard to do.
“I think it’s a laudable goal and I’d like to get there. But New Jersey right now is only two percent renewable energy in state, and to get to get renewable energy up to the speed so quickly would be pretty difficult.”
Tittel favors a different bill with a goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.
“That would work better because it gives up more time to get up to speed to get offshore in place, to get solar programs advanced.”
Advocates who support a faster transition to renewables say it would help reduce the effects of climate change and avoid having more gas pipeline projects.
Matt Smith is with Food and Water Watch.
“There’s no doubt the future will be powered by clean, renewable energy. It’s up to us to make sure that the transition is quick enough and that it is fair enough so that all New Jerseyans benefit from the creation of our renewable economy.”