Clean Energy Economy
A sustainable economy is one that is increasingly powered by clean energy.
Energy is a main driver of any economy. How energy is produced, distributed and used constitutes a dynamic, complex system that is in flux over time due to the ongoing influences of many public and private interests. These interests also influence how the benefits and costs are distributed amongst private and public stakeholders, along with any long-term impacts on environmental and social systems that support us all.
Why It Matters
Sustainable business leaders can help make a positive difference as innovators, practitioners and advocates in the just transition to a clean energy economy that:
- Creates family-supporting jobs in New Jersey and the U.S.
- Improves public health and lowers carbon emissions
- Strengthens energy security
- Enhances energy independence
Active Initiatives
Electrifying Transportation
The transportation sector accounts for more than 40% of New Jersey’s carbon emissions. Transitioning from internal combustion engines (ICE) that burn fossil fuels to cleaner electric vehicles (EV) will result in significant economic, environmental, and public health benefits. EVs are cheaper to operate over the life of the vehicle and represent a big improvement over 20th-century ICE technology.
Developing Renewable Sources of Energy
Solar energy continues to contribute an increasing share of the state’s energy. New Jersey’s coast has conditions that are ideal for generating significant amounts of energy from offshore wind. Increasing both solar and offshore wind will drive local economic development, job growth, while enhancing domestic energy independence and security.
Learn More about the triple bottom line benefits of community solar, rooftop solar and offshore wind.
Electrifying Transportation
The transportation sector accounts for more than 40% of New Jersey’s carbon emissions. Transitioning from internal combustion engines (ICE) that burn fossil fuels to cleaner electric vehicles (EV) will result in significant economic, environmental, and public health benefits. EVs are cheaper to operate over the life of the vehicle and represent a big improvement over 20th-century ICE technology.
Developing Renewable Sources of Energy
Solar energy continues to contribute an increasing share of the state’s energy. New Jersey’s coast has conditions that are ideal for generating significant amounts of energy from offshore wind. Increasing both solar and offshore wind will drive local economic development, job growth, while enhancing domestic energy independence and security.
Learn More about the triple bottom line benefits of community solar, rooftop solar and offshore wind.
Building Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency
Building electrification process of replacing fossil fuel-powered systems in buildings — such as those used for heating, cooking, and hot water — with electric alternatives to improve indoor air quality, protect public health, and enhance affordability – all while creating high-quality jobs. Gas appliances emit harmful pollutants like NO2 and benzene, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations. Electrification offers cleaner air, lower energy costs, and economic stability through rebates and efficiency.
Join us in advocating for building electrification in NJ! Learn how you can make a difference in improving air quality, reducing energy costs, and creating jobs. Together, we can build a cleaner, healthier future for everyone.
Modernizing the Electric Grid
Increasing demand for electricity from data centers and other sources is putting a severe strain on an electric grid with outdated infrastructure. New Jersey businesses and residents are paying more for electricity than ever before—and the system that determines how our power is delivered is a big reason why. PJM, the operator of our regional power grid, continues to delay affordable clean energy projects while favoring older, more expensive energy sources that benefit utilities. New Jersey families and businesses are stuck with a grid that’s less prepared for growing demand and increased instances of extreme weather while also paying even higher bills.
That’s why NJSBN is involved in advancing legislation aimed at modernizing the grid and supporting state efforts to engage with PJM to implement reforms that will facilitate quicker interconnection of renewable energy resources to help increase the supply of clean electricity.
Building Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency
Building electrification process of replacing fossil fuel-powered systems in buildings — such as those used for heating, cooking, and hot water — with electric alternatives to improve indoor air quality, protect public health, and enhance affordability – all while creating high-quality jobs. Gas appliances emit harmful pollutants like NO2 and benzene, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations. Electrification offers cleaner air, lower energy costs, and economic stability through rebates and efficiency.
Join us in advocating for building electrification in NJ! Learn how you can make a difference in improving air quality, reducing energy costs, and creating jobs. Together, we can build a cleaner, healthier future for everyone.
Modernizing the Electric Grid
Increasing demand for electricity from data centers and other sources is putting a severe strain on an electric grid with outdated infrastructure. New Jersey businesses and residents are paying more for electricity than ever before—and the system that determines how our power is delivered is a big reason why. PJM, the operator of our regional power grid, continues to delay affordable clean energy projects while favoring older, more expensive energy sources that benefit utilities. New Jersey families and businesses are stuck with a grid that’s less prepared for growing demand and increased instances of extreme weather while also paying even higher bills.
That’s why NJSBN is involved in advancing legislation aimed at modernizing the grid and supporting state efforts to engage with PJM to implement reforms that will facilitate quicker interconnection of renewable energy resources to help increase the supply of clean electricity.
Community solar provides access to clean solar energy for lower income families.
Related Policies and Updates
