To ensure that underserved communities have equitable access to clean energy, the Senate passed legislation today sponsored by Senators Troy Singleton and Ronald Rice, which would establish an Office of Clean Energy Equity within the Board of Public Utilities (BPU).
“Clean energy is an issue that positively impacts both our environment and economy,” Senator Singleton (D-Burlington) said. “All New Jerseyans – regardless of income – should have access to clean energy and its many benefits, which include utility savings and career opportunities.”
The bill, S-2484, would establish the Office of Clean Energy Equity, which would be charged with overseeing a fair distribution of clean energy and sustainability programs, as well as providing technology, job opportunities, and infrastructure that comes with those projects to overburdened communities.
“Traditionally, significant clean energy programs have only been accessible to more affluent folks. So, it is imperative that when we convert the state’s economy into a green-energy economy, we make sure it also benefits low and moderate-income New Jersey residents,” Senator Rice (D-Essex) said. “Providing job-training and employment opportunities will be crucial in assisting underprivileged communities that have suffered the most as a result of years of pollution and neglect.”
Under the bill, the office would establish community solar and energy efficiency programs, which would benefit 250,000 low-income households by 2030 by lowering the overall percentage of income families, spend on energy.
The office would also be required to create a minimum of 1,600-megawatt-hours of energy storage in overburdened communities over the same time period. Energy storage close to where the energy is generated is vital to the adoption of large-scale wind and solar energy.
Additionally, to ensure that low-income households have equal opportunity to find meaningful careers, the bill requires workforce training for 2,500 individuals from overburdened communities by 2025 in the clean energy sector.
“Creating paths to long-term, well-paying and accessible jobs is more important than ever,” Senator Singleton said. “Spurring clean energy investment through smart policy is a modern, community-centric solution to the growing jobs crisis. It is also a way of providing environmental and economic justice to these communities that have shouldered the heaviest environmental burdens.”
The bill was released from the Senate by a vote of 28-10.