New Jersey Takes Bold Action: 100% Clean Energy by 2035

Governor Phil Murphy announced an ambitious plan to make New Jersey a leader in the fight against climate change during a speech at Rutgers University on Tuesday. The Governor signed three Executive Orders that will accelerate the state's efforts to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change, setting an impressive target of achieving 100% clean energy by 2035.

Achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035 will significantly reduce pollution that harms the planet and public health while growing a 21st-century economy in the Garden State,” said Eric Miller, NJ Energy Policy Director with the Natural Resources Defense Council. “With affordable and clean electricity, New Jersey can leverage billions of dollars in federal funding to rapidly decarbonize the building sector—lowering energy costs for residents and businesses and putting New Jersey on course to achieve its goal of reducing economy-wide emissions 50% by 2030."

In his address, Governor Murphy outlined six key pillars that will serve as the foundation for the state's green and resilient future. These include an accelerated target of 100% clean energy by 2035, the electrification of the state's building sector, and planning for the future of the state's natural gas utilities. The Governor also announced new grant funding for heavy-duty electric vehicles and a commitment to ensure that 100% of new cars sold in 2035 are zero-emission vehicles.

The Governor's plan also includes a commitment to enhance flood protection in riverine and coastal areas. He anticipates that the NJ PACT REAL rules, which will provide enhanced flood protection for homeowners, businesses, and infrastructure against increased flooding, will be proposed in the Summer of 2023.

We are thrilled to see a roadmap to 100% clean electricity, meaningful commitments to electrify buildings, vans, trucks, and buses, and updated coastal rules to protect families and businesses – all as we step up efforts to protect our communities from the impacts of climate change," said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. “These important environmental policies will also position our state to be a leader in creating new union jobs in growing green industries even as we slash carbon pollution. Other states looking to combat climate change, protect our environment, and create good local jobs that can’t be outsourced must now take their cues from New Jersey.”

Governor Murphy's speech was met with enthusiasm by environmental advocates and leaders who have been pushing for stronger climate action. He said that New Jersey will lead the way in the transition to a clean energy future, and will continue to take bold steps to combat climate change.

“From the overburdened communities suffering the brunt of pollution today to our children and grandchildren who will experience extreme weather events tomorrow, we know that the stakes are too high to delay our transition to 100% clean energy. The steps we take now will better protect our communities and catalyze the growth of our clean energy economy for generations to come,” said Jane Cohen, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy.

For a copy of Executive Order No. 315, click here.

For a copy of Executive Order No. 316, click here.

For a copy of Executive Order No. 317, click here.

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