Murphy Administration to Highlight Infrastructure Investments Aimed at Addressing Climate Change and Economic Development During National Infrastructure Week

TRENTON – The Murphy Administration will host a series of events tomorrow, Thursday, May 13, highlighting the Administration’s infrastructure investments aimed at addressing climate change and economic development during National Infrastructure Week. The Administration will focus on the innovative, whole-of-government approach to electric vehicles, climate resilience, workforce development, and environmental justice through a combination of virtual and in-person events. Infrastructure week highlights investments, economic growth, and workforce development opportunities to reduce the impacts of climate change and protect public health in alignment with President Biden’s Administration.

“Since day one, my Administration has prioritized creating an equitable, clean energy future for all New Jerseyans,” said Governor Murphy. “Major investments in smart, future-focused infrastructure projects are at the nexus of economic growth, diversifying the workforce, creating good paying jobs, and making our communities more resilient from the adverse effects of climate change.”

“The New Jersey Council on the Green Economy is tasked with creating the blueprint for equitable access to the jobs and wealth created in the future green economy, and this includes the critical infrastructure necessary for climate change mitigation and a sustainable clean energy future.” said First Lady Tammy Murphy, Honorary Chair of the New Jersey Council on the Green Economy. “This week is all about understanding how our infrastructure investments and climate change policies intersect in a way that is beneficial for us all.”

“Infrastructure Week highlights the need to capitalize on the opportunities presented in addressing climate change,” said Jane Cohen, Director of the Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy and Executive Director of the New Jersey Council on the Green Economy. “Each state agency plays a role in building the infrastructure to address climate change, and a collaborative, cross-agency approach is critical in leveraging our opportunities to equitably grow New Jersey’s innovation economy.”

Thursday, May 13

Community Solar Ribbon Cutting

Event Details: Jane Cohen, Director of the Office of Climate Change and the Green Economy, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Joseph Fiordaliso, Senator Troy Singleton and others will attend a ribbon cutting for the launch of Soltage’s 3.1MW community solar project, the first community solar project in New Jersey to be completed on a landfill. This project will provide approximately 700 households in Camden, Burlington, and Mercer counties with clean, renewable energy.

Speakers: Jane Cohen, Director of the Office of Climate Change and the Green Economy, Joseph Fiordaliso, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Senator Troy Singleton, as well as solar and union representatives involved in the project.

Location: Tri-County Solar Farm, 900 Coopertown Road, Delanco, New Jersey, 08075

Time: 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Press: Open

 

The Green Economy

Event Details: First Lady Tammy Murphy will host a conversation with Donnel Baird, member of the New Jersey Council on the Green Economy and founder of BlocPower, a climate technology company that partners with governments, utilities, building owners, and community members to generate energy bill savings, reduce carbon emissions and improve public health.

Speakers: First Lady Tammy Murphy and Donnel Baird, Founder, BlocPower

Location: Facebook Live

Time: 1:15 – 2:00 p.m.

Press: Open. Members of the press can view the conversation at Facebook.com/FirstLadyNJ

Clean Energy and Workforce Development Roundtable 

Event Details: The Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Board of Public Utilities, will host a virtual roundtable discussion on sustainable green job creation and workforce development. Government, business and community partnerships are critical to workforce and training development, diversity and equity, and economic growth in clean energy. PSE&G and the State of New Jersey are partnering with community-based and other non-profit organization to equitably recruit, train, and employ hundreds of potential candidates from traditionally marginalized communities. This roundtable will explore this and other models of workforce development in clean energy, as the state prepares for an expansion of workforce in this area over the coming years.

Speakers: Jane Cohen, Director, Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy, Joseph Fiordaliso, President, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Rob Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Labor, David M, Daly, President of Public Service Electric & Gas Company

Location: Virtual roundtable via Facebook Live

Time: 4:00 p.m.

Press: Open. Members of the press can view the roundtable at https://fb.me/e/OubOIoMw

“Infrastructure Week is about acknowledging the critical investments we need to make now to build for our future, and taking bold action,” said New Jersey Department of Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “This past year has proven how we must be both proactive and responsive to the needs of our workers. We’re proud to collaborate with our private and public partners to bring jobs, security and dignity to the Garden State through our workforce development programs.”

“New Jersey was hit hard by COVID-19 and, like the rest of the country, our residents suffered economic hardships as well as health impacts,” said New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “Our recovery is deeply tied to a strong infrastructure, which includes building an innovation economy with a focus on clean energy like community solar, offshore wind and electric vehicles. Together we can emerge from this crisis with a New Jersey that is stronger, fairer and cleaner for our children and grandchildren.”

“From building innovative projects that protect us from climate change, to improving our water infrastructure, to enhancing amenities in our state parks, investments in environmental infrastructure improve public health, strengthen our economy, and create good-paying union jobs,” said New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “Following Governor Murphy’s lead in confronting our environmental and climate challenges head-on will spur even more new investments in infrastructure, creating new economic opportunity as we improve quality of life for all New Jersey residents.”

“Infrastructure investment is critical to New Jersey’s future to ensure its reliability, resiliency and sustainability,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “Whether to address the transportation needs of our rural communities, the economic vitality of our cities and suburbs, or enhance and expand public transit accessibility, transportation is foundational to our State’s success.”

“High-quality, reliable infrastructure is crucial to achieving Governor Murphy’s vision for a stronger, fairer New Jersey economy. From our roads and rail system to high speed internet to offshore wind, solar, and other sources of clean energy, investing in New Jersey’s infrastructure is crucial to creating new jobs and driving long-term, sustainable economic growth,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The events happening during Infrastructure Week shine a spotlight on the many ways New Jersey is adapting our existing infrastructure to reduce the impact of climate change and protect public health while creating a strong foundation for equitable economic growth. We look forward to working in alignment with the Biden Administration to continue and build on these efforts to create reliable, safe, and green infrastructure throughout New Jersey.”

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