Comments to NJ BPU on the Energy Master Plan

In continuation of reviewing and redoing the 2019 New Jersey Energy Master Plan, the NJ Board of Public Utilities (BPU) solicited comments on their analysis and work. NJEJA offered our support and guidance based on our work, experience, and relationships with community partners to articulate support for increased usage of renewable energy, opposition to carbon capture/hydrogen technologies, and continued prioritization of low-income and environmental justice communities.

For questions, please reach out to us at info@njeja.org

Read our full set of comments below:

NJEJA-EMP_Comments-May2025Download

NJEJA Joins Partners in Tackling Plastic Pollution

On October 8, NJEJA joined partners in a webinar focusing on plastic pollution in New Jersey. Topics included upcoming bills including “Skip the Stuff”, a Bottle Bill, and an “Extended Producer Responsibility” bill. Watch the webinar below and take action by sending a letter to your state legislator in support of these important pieces of legislation. 

A Quick Guide to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

As carbon capture and storage (CCS) continues to be pushed as a solution to climate change by both private and public investment, NJEJA has developed this fact sheet to explain CCS, the risks to our communities, and why carbon capture is simply going to prolong our reliance on fossil fuels.

NJEJA CCS Fact SheetDownload

For questions, please reach out to Brooke Helmick, Director of Policy at brooke@njeja.org.

NJEJA Signs On To EJNCF Letter on 2024 Permitting Reform

On July 30, the Equitable and Just National Climate Platform submitted a letter to Senators Joe Manchin and John Barasso regarding their 2024 permitting reform bill. The bill, if enacted, would risk EJ priorities under the IRA and risk increasing oil and gas lease sales, as well as drilling and mining projects. Instead, investments should prioritize clean, renewable transmission infrastructure.

For questions regarding NJEJA’s position and related policy concern, please contact Brooke Helmick, Director of Policy at brooke@njeja.org.

Read the full letter below.

EJNCF Letter on Permitting ReformDownload

NJEJA Submits Comments on the 45Y/48E Tax Credits

On August 2, 2024, the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance, along with co-signed allies, submitted comments to U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service regarding the proposed regulations for the 45Y/48E Clean Energy Tax Credits.

This federal funding will be an integral component in the Just Transition and funding clean energy in the United States. However, as these credits are designed to be technology-neutral (i.e. no one particular type of energy production is to be favored), there is a risk that these credits may be granted to facilities which do not truly produce clean energy and pose a risk to the surrounding communities.

We submit these comments to: (1) urge the Dept. of the Treasury and the IRS to center environmental justice, (2) incorporate GHG co-pollutants into the emissions calculations, (3) expand the emissions calculations, (4) include a geographical analysis in the alternative fates analysis, (5) exclude polluting combustion and gasification facilities from the list of qualified facilities as they cannot demonstrate a zero emissions mode of production, and (6) address EJ concerns with carbon captures. All of these changes can bring significant protections to environmental justice communities and greatly reduce the risk of harm.

For questions regarding NJEJA’s position and related policy concern, please contact Brooke Helmick, Director of Policy at brooke@njeja.org.

Read our full comments below:

NJEJA-Re-REG-119283-23_Section45Y-48EDownload

Environmental Justice Concerns with Carbon Capture and Hydrogen Co-Firing in the Power Sector

Read the latest report on Environmental Justice Concerns with Carbon Capture and Hydrogen Co-Firing in the Power Sector, prepared in partnership with the New School Tishman Environment and Design Center, Center for the Urban Environment of the John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research at Kean University, and the Center for Earth, Energy, and Democracy.

CCS & EJ White PaperDownload

For questions, please reach out to Brooke Helmick, Director of Policy at brooke@njeja.org.

A Quick Guide to Hydrogen Production and Hydrogen Co-Firing

As the country sees a proliferation of hydrogen fuel projects through both private and public investment, NJEJA has developed this fact sheet to explain hydrogen fuel production, the risks to our communities, and how to understand the “colors” for each type of hydrogen.

NJEJA-Hydrogen-Factsheet-2024Download

For questions, please reach out to Brooke Helmick, Director of Policy at brooke@njeja.org.

Comments to the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council on Carbon Management

On June 19, the New jersey Environmental Justice Alliance submitted comments to the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC) regarding carbon management. NJEJA highlighted the risks of CCS and hydrogen co-firing, the necessity of directing federal funding towards communities and sustainable, renewable technologies, and recommending increased oversight, transparency, and accountability in DOE project development. Click here to read more about the WHEJAC.

Read our full comments below:

WHEJAC-Comments-NJEJA-June-2024Download

NJEJA and ICC Submit Comments on the Energy Master Plan

On June 12, the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance and the Ironbound Community Corporation submitted public comment to the Board of Public Utilities regarding the 2024 Energy Master Plan. These comments reflect a joint effort to decrease emissions in the state of New Jersey and facilitate to swift transition to affordable truly-clean energy for everyone, particularly low- and moderate-income and EJ communities. Click here read other public comments and view the BPU’s docket.

Read our full comments below:

NJEJA-ICC_EMP-CommentsDownload

NJEJA and Partners Submit Comments on EPA’s Power Plant Rule

On May 28, the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance and EJ partners submitted crucial comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the second part to their Power Plant Rules. These comments reflect a unified effort from numerous EJ organizations across the country to call on the EPA to substantially address the cumulative impacts of air pollution and the disproportionate burden of both greenhouse gases and greenhouse gas co-pollutants on environmental justice communities. Click here to read our full comments.

Read Our Statement Below, and hear what EJ advocates had to say about the unique opportunity in this comment period:

EJ-Comments-on-EPAs-Existing-Gas-Rule-STATEMENT-May-2024-1Download