Press Releases
August 16, 2007
State Leaders Launch NJ Affordable, Clean, Reliable Energy Coalition
*Oyster Creek License Extension Essential to Meet NJ Energy Needs*
Declaring that we must "secure a clean and affordable energy supply for this generation, and many more to come," leaders representing a broad spectrum of key New Jersey constituencies today announced the formation of the New Jersey Affordable, Clean, Reliable Energy Coalition.
The Coalition will work to educate the public about the need for energy policies that protect the environment and improve the state's economy. Its immediate focus is to generate public support for renewal of the operating license of the Oyster Creek Generating Station by increasing public awareness about the benefits of Oyster Creek and the important role nuclear energy plays in meeting New Jersey's electricity needs.
"This Coalition will work to generate public support for the production of affordable, clean, reliable, American energy to help meet New Jersey's needs," said Dr. Edward H. Salmon, chairman of the Coalition. "We must support the development of new renewable energy sources and provide for the continued operation of existing clean sources, including Oyster Creek and nuclear energy."
The Coalition membership, which continues to add new members daily, consists of local and state-wide leaders and leadership organizations representing the environmental, business, labor, academic, health, and civic communities. A partial list of current members includes the Commerce & Industry Association of NJ, the Chemistry Council of NJ, the African American Environmentalist Association, the NJ Alliance for Action, the Southern NJ Developmental Council, the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades, The Plumbers and Pipefitters (Union Local 322 and Local 9), the NJ Business & Industry Association, and the Fish Hawks (Lacey Township-based organization).
The Coalition includes distinguished New Jerseyans such as the Honorable Jeremiah O'Connor (former State Senator and former New Jersey BPU Commissioner) the Honorable Connie Hughes (former New Jersey BPU Commissioner), the Honorable Carol Murphy (former New Jersey State Legislator & former New Jersey BPU Commissioner), William Young (Former Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy in the U.S. Department of Energy), and the Honorable Brian A. Reid (Mayor of Lacey Township).
The Coalition launched the same month as preliminary discussions are being held surrounding New Jersey's Energy Master Plan, which outlines Governor John Corzine's program for New Jersey's energy future.
According to Dr. Salmon, the Coalition formed because of the realization that as New Jersey's demand for energy grows, "we need to ensure that something meaningful is being done to support retention of our existing clean energy sources and to generate more clean, affordable energy to protect the environment and public health." According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the nation will need 40 percent more electricity by 2030. The mid-Atlantic region alone will need at least 13 percent more electricity by 2030.
LEADERSHIP
Dr. Edward H. Salmon, chairman of the Coalition, has spent 26 years in government as a mayor, county commissioner, state legislator, President of the New Jersey BPU and member of the governor's cabinet. In addition, for 27 years Dr. Salmon served as an educator and coach in the Millville Public School System.
Richard S. Mroz, Senior Advisor to the coalition, has extensive background and experience in government at all four levels – federal, state, county and local. In addition to serving on the Whitman Transition Team, he served as the Governor's counsel and liaison for the state's largest independent authorities, including the Turnpike Authority, Casino Control Commission, Delaware River Port Authority and the Sports and Exposition Authority.
To learn more, please visit www.NJACRE.org
####
The mission of the NJ Affordable, Clean, Reliable Energy Coalition is to generate public support for the production of clean, reliable, affordable, American energy to meet New Jersey's growing energy needs. The Coalition seeks to achieve this goal through increasing the public's awareness of the need to keep existing clean energy providers operational and to promote and support the development of new affordable clean sources.
The Coalition's immediate focus is to generate public support for renewal of the operating license of Oyster Creek Generating Station. The Coalition will increase public awareness about the benefits of Oyster Creek and the important role nuclear power plays in meeting New Jersey's electricity needs.
For more information, please contact:
Maury Donahue
for NJ ACRE
Phone:+1 (856) 308 3656
Maury@njacre.com