Combating Climate Change on a State Level

1
Combating Climate Change on a State Level

• A look at New Jerseys Response

2

• The current generation does not own the land, it
  is just borrowing it from future generations.
  Native American Proverb

3
Federal Response

• Federal government has been extremely lax on
  strong environmental policy
• Individual states are taking the initiative
• New Jersey is no exception

4
Environmental Needs of NJ

• Environment plays important factor in state
  economy
• Skiing in winter at numerous resorts
• Over 100 miles of beaches for summer
• Large agricultural sector

5
What will happen?

• One to three foot rise in sea level in next 20
  years results in construction of multi-billion
  dollar seawall
• Major sections of state flood including Atlantic
  City

• Salt water intrusion kills species of mammals,
  fish, birds
• Increased ground ozone resulting in higher asthma
  cases

6
Opposition to Global Warming

• Still considered just a theory by some
• Most respected scientists realize serious effects
  of rising levels of greenhouse gases
• Greenhouse gas traps heat on Earth, rather than
  letting it escape

7
New Jerseys Pollution Levels

• If independent country, would rank 32nd in the
  world for emissions
• Between 1990 and 2004, levels of pollutants rose
  13
• Expected to increase by additional 10 by 2020

8
The Global Warming Response Act

• Signed into law July 6, 2007
• Toughest pollution reduction measure in US
• Reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 20
  decrease
• Cut emissions by 80 by the year 2050

9
Important Initiative

• NJDEP must account for pollution generated out of
  State
• Pollution related to imported energy production
• Airborne particulate from factories out west
• Reduces point-source and secondary pollution

10
Key Administrator

• New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
  (NJDEP)
• Index current levels of emissions
• Retroactively calculate 1990 levels as well

11
Clean Energy Solutions

• Solar installations increased in New Jersey from
  6 in 2002 to 1800 in 2007
• Coastal wind farm in Atlantic City
• Five turbines generate power for 2,500 homes and
  businesses

12
Environment vs. Economics

• Society is ready for eco-business
• Growth of fuel efficient cars and environmental
  advertising
• New Jerseys largest energy producer PSEG helped
  craft legislation and was supporter

13
In Conclusion

• Global Warming Response Act will be impetus for
  change and greater awareness of environmental
  policy
• It is easier and more popular than ever to be
  GREEN