This Air Quality Awareness Week (AQAW), NJDEP continues to protect public health and the environment by reducing air pollution from vehicles, engines, and the fuels used to operate them, as well as encouraging travel choices that minimize emissions from the transportation sector.

Making an Impact. PM2.5 and ozone from diesel-powered and gasoline-powered trucks, buses, cars, and other vehicles degrade our air. The health impacts from this pollution are of particular concern for our most sensitive residents such as young children, the elderly, and those with existing heart and lung conditions. These impacts are amplified for those who reside in environmental justice communities and are disproportionately affected by pollution. Proximity to sources of pollution and length of exposure (short-term and long-term) are critical factors in the concentration of pollution and increased health risks.  New Jersey is a leader in reducing air pollution from transportation with effective laws, regulations, monitoring, enforcement, education, grants, and partnerships with local communities.

Safe Ride for Students. Of the 21,700 school buses registered in New Jersey, over 99% run on fossil fuels. This year, New Jersey launched the Electric School Bus Program to encourage and monitor the transition of school bus fleets from diesel to electric. New Jersey will invest $15 million per year for three years, providing grants to school districts that own buses, or contractors who provide bus services to schools, to assist in their fleet transition to battery electric buses. Prioritizing school buses that operate in overburdened communities, this program aims to reduce emissions from buses that go in and out of neighborhoods daily, load and unload students, and have a direct impact on some of the youngest members of our communities.

For questions about the Electric School Bus Program, email stopthesoot@njdepwptest.net. To learn more about program requirements or how to apply, visit njdepwptest.net/stopthesoot/electric-school-bus-program.

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There is solid scientific evidence that climate change will worsen our air quality, and we have measurable steps to make a difference. The largest source of New Jersey’s greenhouse gas emissions continues to be transportation. While investments in public transit, safe bicycle infrastructure, and walkable towns and cities are crucial, New Jersey has a high percentage of residents who drive cars, SUVs, and other light-duty vehicles. The number of households that have at least one car was 88.8% in 2020, with a state average of 1.8 cars per household. So, it is critical that we continue the transition from gas-powered cars to zero emission electric cars.  Making the switch to an electric vehicle is a fun and fast way to dramatically cut down on individual contributions to air pollution.

Take Charge. State, Federal, and utility incentives for electric vehicles and home charging make EVs affordable. Thanks to programs such as Charge Up NJ (save up to $4,000), and the Federal Tax Credit (save up to $7,500), you can save up to $11,500 on the purchase or lease of an electric car. New this year is a Federal Tax Credit for used EVs, and the instant, “on-the-hood” Federal Tax Credit for EVs (you don’t have to wait until you file your taxes anymore to get the discount.)  Be sure to explore charging incentives from your electric utility provider, including off-peak charging rate discounts and incentives to install a home charging station.

Learn more about electric vehicles at Drive Green New Jersey.

Check out Charge Up New Jersey, a state incentive for the purchase or lease of an EV and a home charger.

Learn more about electric vehicle incentives for new and used electric cars and trucks and charging.

New Jersey faces a significant challenge: immediately reduce greenhouse gases to address the accelerating effects of climate change. Rising temperatures, intensifying floods, and concerns over rising sea levels necessitate swift and decisive action. Recognizing this urgency, the State has established ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets – a 50% decrease by 2030 and a substantial 80% reduction by 2050. Achieving these goals demands considerable investment and a comprehensive multi-sector approach.

The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Program is a nationwide, two-phase USEPA grant funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. Phase 1 provided $250 million in noncompetitive planning grants to states and other entities to develop climate action plans for reducing GHG emissions and other harmful air pollutants. Phase 2 provides $4.6 billion in competitive grants to implement priority measures included in the Priority Climate Action Plans (PCAPs).

New Jersey released its first planning deliverable, the PCAP on March 1, 2024. The PCAP outlines specific measures within six critical sectors, accompanied by their estimated impact on GHG reduction. Furthermore, the plan emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs of low-income communities, ensuring an equitable transition towards a cleaner future for all residents.

The PCAP strategically targets six key areas:

• Transportation: A significant shift towards zero-emission vehicles is envisioned. This entails a future where a large portion of cars and trucks produce no harmful emissions, contributing to cleaner air.
• Buildings: A transition away from traditional fossil fuel-based heating and cooling systems in both residential and commercial buildings. These systems will be replaced with cleaner electric alternatives, such as heat pumps.
• Energy Generation: A pivotal aspect of the plan involves generating electricity from cleaner sources like solar and offshore wind. This involves extensive solar farms harnessing the sun’s energy and powerful wind turbines generating clean electricity.
• Food Waste Reduction: Recognizing the contribution of food waste to GHG emissions, the plan outlines a strategy to cut food waste in half, promoting resource efficiency.
• Halogenated Gases: The plan acknowledges the need to tackle emissions from appliances and commercial equipment.
• Natural and Working Lands: Additionally, New Jersey’s PCAP prioritizes the protection of natural resources like forests and wetlands, which serve as vital carbon sinks.

It’s crucial to acknowledge the interconnected nature of these initiatives. Electrifying vehicles and buildings require a robust clean energy grid to function effectively. The success of this plan hinges on the proper timing and coordinated implementation of these various strategies.

Buildings are the second largest source of air pollution in New Jersey and account for 25% of total net statewide emissions. Whether talking about your home, workplace, or favorite restaurant, most of the emissions from buildings come from the combustion of natural gas for space and water heating (you know, those things that keep us warm during cold winter months and provide hot water to our faucets).

Most of the emissions from space and water heating in buildings include nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), both of which are greenhouse gases and major contributors to climate change. These emissions directly impact the surrounding air quality, and consequently, our health. Short term exposure to NOx can cause respiratory issues such as decreased lung function and exacerbated asthma. Long-term exposure to NOx can cause more extreme problems, such as cancer, asthma, premature mortality, and respiratory illness in children.