SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ (AP) – The New Jersey governor signed a package of laws on Friday aimed at moving the state closer to its goal of producing 100% of its electricity from clean sources by 2050.
The measures facilitate the development of some solar energy projects as well as the settlement and construction of charging stations for electric vehicles.
But yet another bill awaits action by the Democratic governor that would remove local control over where and how offshore wind projects get ashore. Murphy made no mention of this bill at a signing ceremony in Seaside Heights in a city parking lot across from a popular water park.
“From manufacturing components for wind turbines to solar and electric vehicles, we are well on our way to bring New Jersey back to its rightful place as the national leader in clean energy,” said Murphy.
One measure makes it easier to locate EV charging stations across the state, eliminating the need for planning or zoning agencies to get them approved.
Pam Frank, CEO of ChargEVC-NJ, an electric vehicle advocacy coalition, said charging stations are critical to the growth of the electric vehicle industry. Four new charging stations were recently installed in the parking lot where the press conference took place on Friday.
“Most New Jersey drivers won’t consider an EV until they can see the charging infrastructure everywhere,” she said.
A similar bill, signed by the governor, promotes the development of an emission-free refueling and charging infrastructure for vehicles in refurbishment projects.
Murphy also signed two measures on solar power projects. One allows so-called “dual-use” solar projects on farmland that has not been preserved and is still used for agriculture.
Another bill would create a follow-up program to a solar power program that is being discontinued by the state.
Joseph Fiordaliso, president of the state board of public utilities, said New Jersey has more than 142,000 solar power systems nationwide.
After the press conference, Murphy said nothing should be interpreted into the fact that he failed to sign the offshore wind energy bill on Friday.
“I wouldn’t say (the signing of the bill) gives no indication of it at all today,” Murphy said, adding that his policy is not to comment on pending laws until he acts on them.
Aside from publicly consulting local communities about an offshore project coming ashore in their city, the bill would take most, if not all, control of where and how the project’s power lines and power lines to those communities and their elected officials the associated infrastructure is installed on land.
While it requires power lines to run underground in most cases, it creates a mechanism whereby the state BPU can approve a project if local authorities delay or impede it.
Some coastal communities, including Ocean City, have spoken out loudly against the law.
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