POLICY
NJ Meets First Goal in Reducing Carbon Emissions, But Still Has ‘Incredible Hill to Climb’
DEP lays out aggressive strategy to overcome state’s dependence on fossil fuels by mid-century
TOM JOHNSON / NJ SPOTLIGHT – New Jersey has achieved its first milestone in reducing global warming pollution, but attaining a target of curbing 80% of carbon emissions by 2050 will be much more difficult, according to a top state official.
The state hit its 2020 goal of reducing emissions from power plants by 20%, but that was helped by the transition of coal plants being replaced by cleaner natural gas units.
“Between 2020 and 2050, we have an incredible hill to climb,’’ acknowledged Shawn LaTourette, acting commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Protection, speaking at a virtual conference sponsored by the New Jersey Climate Change Alliance …
