This Monday, I took part in a really exciting event at the Liberty Science Center for Jersey City’s second Sustainable Cities Conference. The location was very appropriate – because Jersey City is the most sustainable city in our state. In fact, it is second only to New York in the entire nation. Mayor Healy, who hosted the event, should be proud of this fact. And Hackensack Riverkeeper Captain Bill Sheehan, who also took part, should be proud of his record of local environmental stewardship. Keynote speaker Robert Kennedy, Jr. delivered a rousing keynote address that highlighted the fact that, in this day and age, environmental sustainability isn’t a luxury. Rather, it is common-sense that can even serve to benefit the bottom line in the public and private sectors alike.
I wanted to share a brief video of my comments at the panel discussion, followed by some of my thoughts on the conference below the fold.
During the panel, we discussed how to best promote sustainable ways for our cities to run more environmentally friendly and efficiently. For my part, I wanted to talk about The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This legislation will not only help save millions of American jobs, but it will also go a long way in promoting energy efficiency in development. It will also increase renewable energy production. This act will help our American infrastructure and allow municipalities to grow greener jobs. You can learn more about the act here.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a great first step in the fight to combat climate change. Both President Obama and Henry Waxman, who chairs the Energy and Commerce Committee in the House, have made climate change legislation a top priority – a welcome change from the past eight years. This bill will reduce green house gas emissions by 80 percent from 2005 levels by 2050. It will undoubtedly help create new, cutting-edge jobs within our state during these tough economic times; not to mention the fact that it will help avert the catastrophic effects of global warming.
Moreover, about half of the energy programs funded in the Recovery and Reinvestment Act will promote energy efficiency. This is the easiest and cheapest way to conserve energy. Every municipality should apply for Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grants to help develop efficient projects and facilities in their communities. These grants are a terrific way for cities to add jobs, upgrade existing structures, and become greener. The more energy-efficient our cities become, the more benefits there are for our residents. Not only in the short-term, but for future generations to come.
We have a lot of work to do to make our cities - where most of our population lives and consumes resources - more sustainable. This single issue touches on so many different aspects that are critical to our future - from transportation to reducing our dependence on foreign oil to promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency. But with new leadership in Washington, as well as help and advice from those who have shown how it can be done, I'm confident we will be successful.