New Jersey Leading The Way On Climate Change

[RestoreGore]

While I personally think 20% by 2050 is not enough ( unless all states come on board,) I am pleased that New Jersey is once again leading the way on an important issue, and this crucial crisis. This is what every state in this nation has to do now in order to see any headway. And in the case of New Jersey, our weather has been predicted to change along with our coastline sinking. We cannot continue to ignore this and we cannot continue to wait for the Federal government to just use it as a 2008 platform to get votes while they continue to stall on real action. We need to see action started now. And who knows... maybe the letters I and others have sent to Governor Corzine and other officials in New Jersey have been heard along with the IPCC warnings. My next letter will address how the poor in our state can be a part of this solution, since renters in New Jersey are confined regarding the type of energy used in their homes. And I would love to see an initiative where CFLS are made available to any home in NJ that needs them because I am sure any Co2 caps on power plants will raise rates. That's why conserving now and using CFLS will cut down on what you spend.
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http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-6/1171431406243210.xml&coll=1

Corzine's order puts New Jersey in forefront of global warming fight
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
BY DEBORAH HOWLETT
Star-Ledger Staff

As expected, Gov. Jon Corzine yesterday signed an executive order that sets aggressive new tar gets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey, saying he was taking action "to preserve our planet for our children and grandchildren."

The order commits the state to cutting emissions 20 percent from current levels by 2020 and 80 percent from current levels by 2050. Corzine characterized the goals as "pro-active and ambitious," noting that California is the only other state that has been as aggressive in curbing emissions.

The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change earlier this month cited emissions from cars, electric power plants and other sources as being "very likely" the major culprit in global warming. Scientists and environmental advocates have said an 80 percent reduction in emissions by 2050 is a critical step in preventing the most devastating effects of global warming. The federal government has yet to take action on reducing emissions nationwide.

"In the absence of leadership on the federal level," Corzine said, "the burden has now fallen upon state executives and legislatures to lead the way on this issue and I'm proud that New Jersey is helping to blaze that trail."

The state is already a member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a cooperative effort by Northeast and mid-Atlantic states to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The Corzine administration is also working to establish a cap on carbon dioxide emissions from electric power plants.

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"Global warming is not a trend issue; this is a real threat to our future," McKeon said. "The governor has set a standard that should be codified into law. The Assembly environment committee is preparing to take this issue up in earnest so we can begin to reverse the suicidal course we are now following through the uncontrolled release of greenhouse gases."