Green Jobs
The state of New Jersey has one of the highest numbers of homes and businesses in the nation that incorporate solar panels, and the acceleration of wind turbine projects can be seen along the Jersey coastline. As the world takes an increased interest in environmental monitoring, management, and regulatory compliance, green jobs and training must be a priority for the future of New Jersey. My GREEN Jobs Act will increase access to loans for green small businesses that create jobs to retrofit buildings, install and replace solar panels, regulate waste, clean up contamination, and collect samples to help monitor pollution levels are expanding exponentially. By the year 2016, it is projected that these fields will increase by 28%. The GREEN Jobs Act will accelerate that growth so that New Jersey and America leads the way in innovation and creating jobs in emerging green energy fields.
Smart Grids
Recent events such as Hurricane Sandy and the hacking of our power grid systems have hihglighted the vulnerabilities that exist in the nation’s power grid. My SMART Grid Study Act will provide a comprehensive assessment of steps needed to upgrade our electric grid, making it stronger and smarter in the face of natural disasters and cyber attacks. Expanding and strengthening the capabilities of our electrical power system in order to prepare for, respond to, and recover faster from disasters is not only essential to both protecting our national security, but it is critical to creating jobs and building a more energy-efficient and green future.