MCKEON: SOLAR AND WIND POWER ARE KEY TO NEW JERSEY'S ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

MCKEON: SOLAR AND WIND POWER ARE KEY TO NEW JERSEY'S ENERGY INDEPENDENCE 
Assembly Environment Chair Says 39th Earth Day Time to Renew Pledge to Environment

(TRENTON) - Assemblyman John F. McKeon said businesses and consumers should celebrate Earth Day by renewing support for alternative energies such as solar and wind, and called on residents to take simple steps such as recycling and conservation that can have a significant impact on our planet.

"Increasing our investment in renewable energies would be good for the environment and good for business," said McKeon (D-West Orange). "Solar and  wind have the power to propel New Jersey into a future of energy independence."

The chair of the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste committee said the upwardly spiraling price of  gas and oil was narrowing the difference between the cost of traditional and alternative fuels, one of the deterrents in transferring to alternative forms of energy.

McKeon said he was gratified that New Jersey has been leading the way in moving towards safe, reliable, clean and sustainable energy such as solar and wind power. New Jersey has been a leader in promoting solar energy and is currently poised to become the first-in-the-nation to launch off-shore wind farms.

McKeon said he was heartened at the rising numbers who will participate in this year's annual  April 22 celebration of the environment; more than half-a-billion people around the world in approximately 175 countries will celebrate Earth Day.

"Each year, more and more nations and people are recognizing the need to advance measures to protect and preserve the planet," said McKeon.

McKeon said Earth Day goes beyond the opportunity to take stock of the condition of the planet. It also serves as a time for residents to take stock of their individual efforts to be more responsible.

"From recycling trash to replacing incandescent light bulbs or purchasing Energy Star-compliant appliances, these small steps by residents have a lasting impact on our environment," said McKeon.

McKeon called on New Jersey residents to "vote with your dollars." He said it was important  to buy products that not only save energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels that contribute to global warming, but also conserve cash in consumers' pocketbooks.

"Show business you are serious about the environment by making choices to support companies that support the environment, invest in our future, and fight global warming," said McKeon.

Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement. In 1970, the first Earth Day was proposed by former Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, who sponsored legislation marking April 22nd as a national day to celebrate the earth and push the environment onto the national policy agenda.

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