To the Editor:

The Senate of the State of New Jersey, in recognition of the harm caused by global climate change and the need for greater reliance on Class I renewable energy sources, has voted overwhelmingly to enact Senate, No. 1707, which is commonly known as the Renewable Energy Transition Act. The Renewable Energy Transition Act sets up a schedule where 80 percent of all electricity sold in the State of New Jersey by the year 2050 shall be from Class I renewable energy sources.

As members of the Princeton Environmental Commission, we are concerned about climate change, the energy future of our state, and the air quality for the citizens of Princeton. We recognize the great harm caused by climate change, the continued use of fossil fuels, the increasing use of natural gas derived from fracking, and the expansion of pipelines in the State of New Jersey and Municipality of Princeton, and similarly recognize the need to increase our reliance on Class I renewable energy sources.

The Princeton Environmental Commission passed a resolution calling for the endorsement of Senate Bill 1707, passage of Assembly Bill 2203, and for the governor to sign the legislation into law. We encourage the Princeton Council to add their voice to ours by passing a similar resolution, and we urge citizens to support our efforts by contacting the office of Governor Christie at www.state.nj.us/governor/contact/.

Heidi Fichtenbaum

Chair, Princeton Environmental Commission, 

Carnahan Place

Sophie Glovier

Vice Chair, Princeton Environmental Commission, Drakes Corner Road