Gov. Murphy Signs Historic Legislation for Clean Transportation in NJ: Many Sectors in the State Celebrating
Trenton, NJ (January 17, 2020) – Today Governor Phil Murphy signed an ambitious omnibus electric vehicle bill (S2252/A4819), which was endorsed with bi-partisan support, as urged on by diverse interests, including business and labor leaders, environmentalists, auto dealers, faith-based and grassroots community organizers and utility companies, among others. The law incentivizes use of electric vehicles for private use and sets metrics for public fleets to reduce the greatest single source of harmful greenhouse gas emissions and positions New Jersey as a national leader for this clean technology. Read the full press release here.
Jersey Renews: Bipartisan EV Bill Passes Senate & Assembly
Trenton, NJ – Closing out the New Jersey Legislative session, the Senate and Assembly passed the landmark electric vehicle bill (S2252/A4819) with a bipartisan vote of 27-12 and 65-9 respectively. The legislation sets aggressive goals for electric vehicle sales, provides a rebate for the purchase of an electric vehicle of up to $5,000 by allocating $30 million annually over the next decade, and a state-wide network of high-speed EV charging stations. The bill also sets goals for the electrification of NJ Transit’s bus fleet by incrementally increasing EV bus purchases to 100% through 2032. Read the full press release here.
Governor signs legislation to enhance student-athlete safety
TRENTON – Today, Governor Phil Murphy signed two bills into law that will enhance student-athlete safety in New Jersey schools. “School sports are a longstanding part of the fabric of our state,” said Governor Murphy. “By enacting these measures today, we are making sure that student-athletes have the resources and protections to enjoy school sports programs safely.” “Too often we hear of tragedies occurring on sports fields that could have been avoided if the adults were properly trained to quickly address the situation,” said Dr. Lamont O. Repollet, Commissioner of Education. “The steps that we’re taking today will help provide [...]
Transformative Electric Vehicle Bill Moves to Full Legislature for Action: Senate Committee Endorses Today
Trenton, NJ – Today marks another step on a slow-build to an historic policy shift to tackle the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey – the transportation sector. Building on action this week at the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste and Assembly Appropriations Committees and previously at the Senate Environment and Energy Committee, today the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee vetted and released for floor vote the newest iteration of legislation (S2252/A4819) to incentivize widespread adoption of electric vehicles in New Jersey. This paves the way for consideration by both full legislative chambers on Monday January 13th. Read [...]
WEC in the News! Press Release from Andy Kim’s Office: Congressman Kim Votes to Protect Health Care and Social Service Workers from Workplace Violence
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) voted to pass bipartisan legislation that would protect health care and social service workers from workplace violence, which has increased by 69 percent over the past decade according to the Bureau for Labor Statistics. “Our health care and social service workers do amazing work every day, but too often at great risk,” said Congressman Kim. “Every worker deserves a safe workplace, and this bipartisan bill will take a big step in ensuring that the professionals taking care of people in Burlington and Ocean Counties are taken care of themselves.” The Workplace Violence for [...]
No Easy Way to Tell if Your Kid’s Gym Floor is Laced with Mercury
It's unclear exactly how many school gymnasium floors in New Jersey have the potential to emit toxic mercury vapor over time, or are already doing so. But the state can be sure of one thing now: no future Schools Development Authority projects will include floors that contain a mercury catalyst, which can lead to harmful effects on humans and has already been recognized in several New Jersey instances. The SDA, which funds and manages construction and renovation of schools in 31 New Jersey districts, announced it will be requiring an additional certification from manufacturers of rubberized and/or urethane floors that can [...]