Efforts to address climate change is gaining momentum in the United States. However, environmental philosophies and policies vary significantly from state to state.
The move from fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) to renewable energy (wind, solar, hydropower, etc.) has contributed to a decline in greenhouse emissions[1] in the United States over the last fifteen years.
Climate, renewable energy resource potential, and population are factors that impact a state’s ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Comparing individual states in the same region proves insight into which states are making real progress at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In the Northeast, the states of New Jersey[2] and Massachusetts[3]have similar climates, renewable energy resource potential, and population. However, each state’s environmental policies have produced dramatically different results at reducing greenhouse emissions.
- New Jersey has a Renewables Portfolio Standard[4] for electric utilities. In September 2022, electric utilities generated 0 percent of the state’s electricity from zero-carbon power plants. The state has recently implemented new clean energy policies to achieve a carbon free power sector before 2035. New Jersey has been a leader in the development of major offshore wind projects.
- Massachusetts also has a Renewable Portfolio Standard for electric utilities. In September 2022, electric utilities generated only 6 percent of the state’s electricity from zero-carbon power plants. In 2019, Massachusetts closed its only nuclear power plant and increased the use of natural gas to meet the state’s power demands.
New Jersey has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the use of coal-fueled power plants. In September 2022, none of the state’s electricity was generated from coal-fueled power plants. Construction is continuing on the New Jersey Wind Port along the eastern shores of the Delaware River. The wind port, which is scheduled to be completed in early 2024, will support the construction and operation of multiple offshore wind farms along the Eastern Seaboard
Massachusetts greenhouse gas emissions have increase as a result of the closing of the state’s only nuclear power plant. Although the state and federal legislators are quick to shout Green New Deal,, their actions are not reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2021, United States electric utilities emitted[5] 1,552 million metric tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Achieving a carbon-free power sector in the United States by 2035 will have a significant impact on the global reduction of greenhouse gases. It is time our country united behind programs to address climate change.
Jack Kerfoot
Website – “Our Energy Conundrum”
Jack Kerfoot is a scientist, energy expert, and author of the book FUELING AMERICA, An Insider’s Journey and articles for The Hill, one of the largest independent political news sites in the United States. He has been interviewed on over 100 radio and television stations from New York City to Los Angeles on numerous energy related topics.
[1] US Environmental Protection Agency, April 2021.
[2] US. Energy Information Agency, New Jersey State Profile and Energy Estimates
[3] US. Energy Information Agency, Massachusetts State Profile and Energy Estimates
[4] National Conference of State Legislators – State Renewable Portfolio Standards and Goals, August 13, 2021
[5] U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. Carbon Dioxide Emissions Associated With Electricity Generation