|
RESOURCES  News & Updates
June 6th, 2008
Connecticut
Governor Jodi Rell Signs Global Warming Bill
On June 2nd, Governor Jodi Rell signed the bill that was approved unanimously by the Connecticut Senate on May 5th requiring substantial reductions in emissions of global warming pollution in the state. Building on goals established four years ago, the law requires that annual emissions be reduced to levels 10 percent below that of 1990 by 2020, and 80 percent below 2001 by 2050. According to Senate Minority Leader John McKinney (R-Fairfield), Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Gina McCarthy worked very closely with legislators.
Many scientists, including UCS, say those reductions must be achieved worldwide to avoid global warming’s worst effects. Governor Jodi Rell said, “By capping greenhouse gas emissions, we will reduce our carbon footprint, conserve energy and improve air quality in Connecticut while leading the way for the rest of the nation.” The law makes Connecticut the fifth state to adopt mandatory reductions between now and 2020 of global warming greenhouse gas pollution; similar measures have been enacted in California, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Washington State.
June, 2008
New Hampshire
RGGI Legislation signed into law in New Hampshire
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is the nation's first multi-state, mandatory market-based cap-and-trade program.
Already adopted by Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, New Hampshire was the last of the Northeastern states to pass the legislation. “If global warming is left unchecked, our grandchildren could be living in a much warmer climate. A climate that simply is not New Hampshire. A climate that could do great harm to some of our critical industries, including tourism and agriculture,” Governor John Lynch said. “I believe strongly there should be national action and a national energy policy that addresses these issues. But I also do not believe that New Hampshire can afford to wait for national action. Acting to prevent global warming is the right thing to do for the long-term health of our citizens, the health of our environment and our economy,”
June, 2008
New Jersey
Draft of Energy Masterplan Released
Governor Jon Corzine released a draft on April 17th of the updated state Energy Master Plan for public review and comment, saying "The public will now have an opportunity to review the draft plan and engage in an active discourse about the state's energy future." To that end, the Board of Public Utilities has scheduled several roundtables at which experts will discuss green technology and economic development, energy demand and energy supply scheduled for June 24-26. Those planning to attend these public meetings are asked to register ahead of time. Sign up for roundtable(s)
Roundtables:
Tuesday, June 24, 10 to 1
Technology and Economic Development
Rutgers University Camden Campus Center & Conference Services, S-ABC Conference Room, 326 Penn Street, Camden
June 25, 9:30-12:30
Demand
Rutgers Newark campus - Paul Robeson Campus Center, 350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Newark
June 26, 9:30-12:30
Supply
Heldrich, Raritan River Conference Center, Perkins/Roosevelt Room, 30 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Public Hearing Schedule:
July 10, 2008 NJ Board of Public Utilities Hearing Room, 8th floor, 2 Gateway Center, Newark
July 15, 2008 State House Annex, Committee Room 6,145 West State Street, Trenton,
Both hearings listed above begin at 9:30 a.m., proceed until lunch break, and reconvene 1:30 p.m.
July 17, 2008 Tohill Auditorium, Bunce Hall, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
2 p.m. until dinner break. Reconvene 6 p.m.
Hearings continue until all comments are heard.
The deadline for submittal of written comments (which can be submitted through email, or post) is Friday, July 25, 2008.
|
| |
Rising Temperatures
