Contact: Ed Potosnak
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NEW JERSEY LCV APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF LOW CARBON CONCRETE LEGISLATION IN NEW JERSEY SENATE
TRENTON – The following is a statement from environmental organizations supporting passage of a bill in the New Jersey Senate that provides a tax credit for use of low carbon concrete. The bill passed through committees with unanimous, bipartisan approval, and a broad coalition of supporters. The prime sponsor of the bill (S287) is Senator Linda Greenstein (LD-14).
Concrete production accounts for approximately 7% of total global carbon emissions. The bill (S287) incentivizes New Jersey businesses to use low carbon concrete materials, helping to address the climate threat, while also encouraging New Jersey businesses to be competitive in developing a market for future low-carbon technologies manufacturing and use.
“After water, concrete is the most widely used substance on Earth, and its production is extremely carbon intensive. This bill is a smart, pragmatic step to reducing emissions from the building sector while simultaneously providing a competitive market for New Jersey businesses,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. “We thank Senator Greenstein for her commitment and leadership on this bill, and we look forward to supporting the companion legislation in the Assembly.”
"We commend Senator Greenstein on the collaborative process that met industry needs while still ensuring a strong win for our climate," said Susan Dorward, Sustainability & Energy Coordinator at Raritan Valley Community College. "This groundbreaking bill will result in significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from the concrete industry, and the partnership between public and private interests is an example of good government action."
"Cleaning up the cement industry is critical to achieving our climate and health goals. If the cement industry were a country it would rank as the world’s third largest emitter of greenhouse gases," said Eric Miller, Director of New Jersey Energy Policy for NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). "The good news is that momentum is growing in states to curb pollution associated with the cement industry, including in New Jersey. Senator Greenstein and Senator Singleton put forth this important bill to leverage the government’s purchasing power to grow markets for cleaner alternatives."
After today’s passage by the Senate, the companion legislation will need to be brought to the Assembly for the bill to become law.