Gov. Phil Murphy was in Washington for a roundtable discussion about infrastructure issues with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, while U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm visited three New Jersey congressional districts.
Murphy has been a strong supporter of Biden’s proposed $3.5 trillion infrastructure proposal.
“Rail stations, childcare, clean energy, broadband – it’s all infrastructure. We’re already making these investments in New Jersey right now, and we need Congress to join us so we can build our nation back better, create jobs, support families, and invest in our future,” said Murphy.
In an interview with MSNBC, Murphy called Biden’s plan “a potential game-changer for New Jersey.”
Granholm’s three New Jersey stops were to promote Biden’s Build Back American agenda with Reps. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark), Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), and Frank Pallone, Jr., the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
“I’m visiting New Jersey today to see America’s clean energy future coming to life — right here, right now,” said Granholm. “President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda will supercharge this progress so America can move to 100% clean electricity by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
In Newark, Payne and Granholm toured Grace West Manor, a public housing complex that utilizes energy-efficient technologies.
“We need to invest in more energy-efficient housing in New Jersey and nationwide to save Americans money on energy bills and protect the environment,” said Payne, Jr. “Unfortunately, urban and minority communities suffer the most from environmental pollution, such as contaminated air and water. Investments in modern technology and renewable energy will help all Americans have cleaner air and drinking water.
Sherrill, the chair of the House Science, Space, and Technology’s Environment Subcommittee, organized a roundtable for Granholm to meet with seven executives of businesses in the renewable energy area, and Livingston Mayor Shawn Klein, an expert of clean energy plans for local governments.
“These New Jersey businesses are fueling the clean energy economy across our state and setting the gold-standard for the entire country,” Sherrill stated. “New Jerseyans know we can tackle the effects of a changing climate, fuel our economic recovery, and ensure our children’s future at the same time.”
Pallone and Granholm toured Eos Energy Storage, an Edison-based manufacturer of zinc batteries designed to provide clean energy storage options.
“Record breaking temperatures and more severe flooding events along the Jersey Shore make clear that New Jersey is on the front lines of the climate crisis,” Pallone stated. “I’m proud our state is confronting the climate crisis with new, cutting edge battery technology that will help us both combat climate change and create new manufacturing and clean energy jobs right here at home.”
Murphy joined Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, and Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, a candidate for the Democratic nomination for Governor of Ohio.
On Thursday, Murphy will return to the White House on Thursday evening to join Biden at a dinner for German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Murphy served as U.S. Ambassador to Germany during the Obama presidency.
Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver is serving as acting governor while Murphy is in Washington.
