NJPIRG’s CAMPAIGN FOR R.E.A.L. ENERGY
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association April 1995 Newsletter)
NJPIRG’S campaign for renewable, efficient, affordable, and lasting energy (R.E.A.L.) was explained to those attending the April JCAA Executive Meeting by Rebecca Stanfield , Energy Advocate of NJPIRG.
Please read the following information provided by NJPIRG. The member delegates will decide, at the April 25th Regular Meeting, if the JCAA should support this campaign.
With the second worst air quality in the nation, unprecedented levels of mercury in our waterways, and some of the nation’s highest residential energy costs, New Jersey citizens are ready for a new energy vision, one that will lead to a safe and affordable energy future. this vision is being offered in NJPIRG’s Campaign for R.E.A.L. (Renewable, Efficient, Affordable and Lasting) Energy, which is calling for a drastic shift in energy priorities, away from fossil fuel and nuclear energy and toward energy efficient and renewable energy.
The Campaign platform calls for, among other things, a 30% decreases in air pollution from fossil fuel combustion within the next 5 years, at least 10% of the state’s electricity being derived from renewable resources within the next 15 years, rejection of utility attempts to unfairly burden consumers by offering industrial users rate discounts, a moratorium on new coal power plants, and the immediate decommissioning of the Oyster Creek Power Plant.
NJPIRG’s Campaign for R.E.A.L. Energy has taken a leadership role in the Senate energy policy debate. For instance,
NJPIRG’s Campaign for R.E.A.L. Energy is now supported by a diverse coalition of 38 environmental, religious, consumer, and health groups and businesses.
NJPIRG’s Campaign for R.E.A.L. Energy has conducted media and public education throughout New Jersey, holding press conferences and making presentations to other groups, county boards and municipalities on New Jersey’s energy policies and choices.
NJPIRG was invited by Board of Public Utilities President Herb Tate to sit on his Energy Master Plan Advisory Committee, which advises the President regarding the development of the 1995 Energy Master Plan. NJPIRG Energy Advocates led the Environmental and Consumer Subcommittees of the Energy Master Plan Committee, writing two "White Papers" to advise President Tate. Twenty-seven members of the R.E.A.L. Energy Coalition presented testimony of submitted comments on the first draft of the 1995 Energy Master Plan.
NJPIRG’s Campaign for R.E.A.L. Energy will continue to work toward sustainable energy solutions in the months to come. Among the activities planned are:
Releasing Utility Report Cards, grading the utilities on their corporate policies on energy efficiency, renewable energy fossil fuels, nuclear power, rates, shut-off policies and other criteria. The Utility Report Cards will be released to the media and distributed to the public.
Taking the Campaign to the utility board rooms by filing stockholders resolutions asking each utility to commit to energy efficiency and renewable energy.
For more information about NJPIRG’s Campaign for R.E.A.L. Energy, please contact Curtis Fisher or Rebecca Stanfield at 609-394-815