Bayonne Assemblyman Nick Chiaravalloti (D-31) is voicing his support for Gov. Phil Murphy’s (D) $100 million commitment for green transportation, noting the positive impact that will have on the ports in Bayonne, Elizabeth, Jersey City, and Newark.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“[Yesterday,] Governor Phil Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver announced $100 million in funding to be used towards electric school buses, electric municipal vehicles, charging stations and other such initiatives,” the assemblyman began in a statement.
“I commend the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor and the First Lady on their commitment to achieve 100 percent clean energy by 2050. In Northern New Jersey, specifically throughout the nine ports of Bayonne, Elizabeth, Jersey City and Newark, diesel traffic has created significant air pollution and environmental social justice concerns for the citizens in the surrounding communities.”
Back in 2016, Chiaravalloti and Assemblyman Ralph Caputo (D-28) introduced a bill to implement a Department of Environmental Protection program to reduce heavy-duty diesel truck emissions from vehicles operating at the aforementioned ports.
Murphy’s announcement, a part of his energy master plan, included allocating $36 million towards electrifying ports to reduce carbon and diesel emissions.
“Climate change is the single greatest long-term threat currently facing humanity, and our state and economy are uniquely vulnerable to its devastating effects. The investments we are announcing today signify our commitment to environmental justice and equity, while building a cleaner economy that works for all,” Murphy said yesterday.
