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Saturday, February 15, 2025

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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

NJ gov continues advancing progress on climate goals

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Thursday, January 16, 2025   

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is maintaining the state's clean-energy progress. In his final State of the State Address, Murphy thanked lawmakers for advancing the state's climate and clean-energy goals during his time in office. But he also called on them to codify the state's clean-energy standards into law this year.

Ed Potosnak, executive director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, said this furthers the state's ability to meet its climate goals.

"The laws that exist on the books require New Jersey to get roughly 88% of its energy from clean sources: solar, wind, and nuclear. We're on track to meet those goals. What this call to action and the legislation will need to achieve is the last five years to get the remaining 12%," he explained.

The state has made these strides despite setbacks. In 2023, offshore wind developer Orsted canceled the Ocean Wind project, citing costs. Other offshore wind farms have been met with backlash over perceived impacts on wildlife and complaints of how they could ruin the state's coastline. However, offshore wind is projected to create more than 10,000 jobs by 2030.

The state has seen many severe climate-change impacts grow since 2012's Superstorm Sandy. These have caused an estimated $50 billion to $100 billion in damage between 1980 and 2024.

While moving to clean energy helps the state brace for these storms, Potosnak said fossil fuel companies are fighting to maintain the status quo.

"It doesn't take long for you to remember the TV ads that you've seen where some nice woman walks across the screen and says, 'Natural gas is clean energy,' when in fact natural gas causes pollution, asthma, cancer and heart disease," he continued.

However, the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump is promising to bolster the fossil fuel industry. Along with this, he's proposing to cut many climate-funding initiatives, including the Inflation Reduction Act.

Disclosure: League of Conservation Voters contributes to our fund for reporting. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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