While decisions and ideas are still being debated at the federal and state level, local communities are continuing to figure out what to do regarding hot button issues that could soon become a reality to residents
A climate change study commissioned by the Trump administration made headlines late last month when it stated not only the global temperature is rising, but also that evidence points toward human actions being a significant reason why.
The study also made headlines because it was released the day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, in what some called an attempt to bury the news. President Trump has stated numerous times his belief that climate change, formerly labeled global warming, is not real.
Despite continued debate at the federal level, local communities and state organizations are leading the charge to create their own change, and possibly create more at higher levels in the future.
At the Gloucester Township Council Meeting on Monday, Nov. 26, council passed an agenda item in support of electric vehicles. The resolution shows support for the work of Electrify New Jersey, in collaboration with Jersey Renews and Charge EVC, to create a “sustainable and growing EV market in New Jersey.”
“This is a partnership with Jersey Renews. It’s a state coalition that promote the transition to clean, renewable energy throughout the state of New Jersey,” Council President Orlando Mercado said. “They’ve been working on creating a sustainable and growing electric vehicle market in New Jersey.”
While the resolution does not provide anything tangible in terms of land, money, etc., toward making an electric vehicle market a reality, it does state the township believes “the widespread adoption of electric vehicles will bring a significant economic benefit, including lower electricity rates, by recreating a more resilient and responsive electric grid and reduced vehicle operating costs, and substantial emission reductions that result in cleaner air for everyone.”
It also states the township council opposes the “efforts at the federal level by the current administration or Congress to weaken [clean car standards] or usurp local control to protect the state’s residents from air pollution from the transportation sector.”
According to climatecommunication.yale.edu, a decade-long national survey data found 70 percent of United States citizens believe that climate change is happening, while 77 percent of Camden County residents believe in climate change.
The study indicates citizens believe action regarding climate change should be more so placed on Congress (70 percent of Camden County residents said Congress should do more) or large corporations (73 percent) rather than local officials (62 percent), however change must start somewhere and in the state, the electric vehicle topic is attempting to gain momentum.
Jersey Renews has started an online petition on its website urging elected officials to act on climate change. Residents can sign the petition at jerseyrenews.org, which calls for lower greenhouse gas emissions, an increase in clean energy and more green jobs.
Regarding state-level decisions trickling down to local governments, the state is also working toward making a decision and voting on a bill regarding the possibility of legalized recreational marijuana.
On the possibility of a recreational marijuana facility or distribution center being located in Gloucester Township, so far there has been no real discussion on the topic, according to Mercado.
“Collectively, we have not spoken about it,” Mercado said. “I’ve had informal conversations with [Mayor David R. Mayer] about people having possible interest in having a possible facility or distribution center in the township, but those are inquiries, nothing very concrete.”
