Sierra Club Press Release - National Weatherization Day Leaves NJ out in the Cold

Grace Sica, Outreach Coordinator NJ Sierra Club 145 W. Hanover St. Trenton, NJ 08618 p: 609-656-7612 f: 609-656-7618

For Immediate Release

Friday, October 30, 2009 Contact: Jeff Tittel, NJ Sierra Club Director, 609-558-9100

National Weatherization Day Leaves NJ out in the Cold

Today, October 30, National Weatherization Day is an important opportunity to remind people of the value of investing in energy efficiency and to reassess New Jersey's energy efficiency policies. The Sierra Club regrets that a recent study shows New Jersey is no longer considered one of the top ten states in efficiency efforts.

The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy released their 2009 scorecard which showed New Jersey has dropped from the list of "Top Ten States," and is one of the only states to do so. The report finds that New Jersey has failed to establish a clear path toward implementing its goals.

"This report shows once again that New Jersey talks the talk without walking the walk. The Governor set the goals and then fails to implement them," said Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. "We are one of the only states to drop in the rankings for energy efficiency and green jobs."

Tittel is referencing a Pew Report, released in July, that found green jobs in New Jersey had declined by 9.6%; the worst performance of any state besides Utah. This report also cited implementation as the New Jersey's weakness.

                                                                  The failure to implement energy programs comes at a cost the environment and the economy. Every dollar invested in residential efficiency returns four dollars over the life of the home; every dollar invested in commercial efficiency returns 16 dollars over the life of the building.

"Weatherization is critical, it is the most cost effective way to lower our carbon footprint while saving people money on energy," said Tittel.

It is estimated that retrofitting U.S. homes could reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions by up to 160 million metric tons annually by 2020.

"Residential buildings are responsible for a staggering twenty percent of global warming pollution. Many families lose money on energy bills each month because their homes aren't energy efficient," said Sierra Club Clean Energy Solutions Representative Allison Forbes. "Weatherizing homes is one simple solution that will create thousands of good jobs, put money in the pockets of American families, and help fight global warming."

Several years ago, the Department of Energy designated October 30 National Weatherization Day, an opportunity to improve the public's understanding of the benefits weatherization to low-income people and communities.

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