The state just released its “visionary” Energy Master Plan, a proposed roadmap for reaching 100% clean energy by 2050. Why does this matter to Unitarian Universalists? Our shared 7th Principle, “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part,” reminds us that humans are not the center of the universe, and that we have both an ethical and practical obligation to care for the natural world and to do our best to reverse the effects of climate change.
A state Energy Master Plan helps us get there, right? Well, not exactly: the plan defines clean energy to include nuclear energy and fossil fuels balanced by an equal amount of carbon removal. Carbon removal refers to removing CO2 from the atmosphere, as opposed to reducing CO2 emissions, and sequestering it someplace deep underground. This is not a well-established technology, and research is needed.
There will be three public meetings for citizens to comment on the plan: one in July, one in August, and one in September. Plan to go if you can; if you can’t go, you can also email the BPU at emp.comments@bpu.nj.gov.
The Environmental Justice Task Force (EJTF) of UU FaithAction will be providing information about the Energy Master Plan over the summer. For more info. and to get on the EJTF monthly call to learn more about our UU response to environmental issues, please contact Task Force chair, Nancy Griffeth at ndgriffeth@mac.com
The stakeholder meetings are scheduled as follows. Please make an effort to attend one and do your part to halt climate change!
Trenton 7/17: Stakeholder Meetings 1 & 2: Wednesday, July 17, 10a.m.-1p.m. and 1:30p.m.-4:30p.m., State House Annex, Committee Room 4, 131-137 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625
Newark 8/8: Stakeholder Meetings 3 & 4: Thursday, August 8, 1p.m.-4p.m. and 4:30p.m.-7:30p.m., Larson Auditorium, Seton Hall Law School, One Newark Center (GPS- 1109 Raymond Boulevard), Newark, NJ 07102
Camden 9/12: Stakeholder Meetings 5 & 6: Thursday, September 12, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. Black Box Theater, The Kroc Center, 1865 Harrison Ave, Camden, NJ 08105