Prep Session for EJ Law Hearing: Proposed Van Keuren Site

On April 28, there will be a hearing in Jersey City for the Van Keuren proposed site. Van Keuren would operate as a waste transfer station and materials recovery facility. The facility is arguing that although they will contribute to disproportionate impact and adverse stressors of the surrounding OBC, they have a compelling public interest in regards to their inclusion in the NJSEA, ability to support waste transfer from housing development, and job creation.

NJEJA and Earthjustice have been working closely to review their EJIS and supporting material, and find very little compelling public interest in this situation.

If you are interested in attending this hearing, you can learn more about the facility, NJEJA’s talking points, and more logistical information about attendance at our prep session on Wednesday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.

Register TODAY: tinyurl.com/EJLaw-VanKeuren

Ironbound Community Waste Justice Listening Session

Hosted by NJEJA and the Ironbound Community Corporation, we invite Ironbound community members to join us for a free event to discuss your experience with the local Covanta/Reworld trash incinerator and its impacts on your neighborhood; resident concerns with bad odors and how to improve air quality; and finally, learn about policies and actions we can take together to protect our environment and fight for healthier communities.

 

Register TODAY: https://bit.ly/IronboundWJS

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