DeAngelo, Benson & Quijano Bill to Expand NJ Energy Stars Program Statewide Clears Assembly
(Trenton) - Legislation Assembly Democrats Wayne DeAngelo, Daniel Benson and Annette Quijano sponsored to require New Jersey Energy Star Homes Program incentives be available statewide was approved, 75-0, by the Assembly on Thursday. "Helping more residents save on energy costs, that's what this bill is about," DeAngelo (D-Mercer, Middlesex). "Wherever there is new residential construction there should be an opportunity for this program." The bill (A-223) would provide that any incentives made available by the Board of Public Utilities under the New Jersey Energy Star Homes Program for new residential construction be available statewide and not just within areas designated for growth in the State Development and Redevelopment Plan, i.e. areas defined as Planning Area 1 (Metropolitan) or Planning Area 2 (Suburban) and designated centers. "The NJ Energy Star Homes program is a very good incentive for new housing construction," Benson (D-Mercer, Middlesex). "It is worth expanding the program to meet the needs of residents and help them save on their energy bill." "The NJ Energy Stars program has helped many residents save money," Quijano (D-Union). "It is only right that the program be expanding to new housing construction. More residents will have the opportunity to take part in the cost savings this program provides." The bill cleared the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee on February 23.
