LSC hosts Governor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and Vice President Al Gore as NJ makes commitment in fight against climate change
On Tuesday, Nov. 19, Liberty Science Center hosted New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy alongside First Lady Tammy Murphy and former Vice President Al Gore as the governor signed an executive order making NJ a pioneer in the fight against climate change.
The Executive Order more than doubles New Jersey’s offshore wind goal, from 3,500 megawatts of offshore wind-generated electricity by 2030 to 7,500 megawatts by 2035.
“There is no other renewable energy resource that provides us with either the electric-generation or economic-growth potential of offshore wind,” Governor Murphy said today at the Science Center, in an event attended by state officials, environmental advocates, and LSC guests.
“When we reach our goal of 7,500 megawatts, New Jersey’s offshore wind infrastructure will generate electricity to power more than 3.2 million homes and meet fifty percent of our state’s electric power needs. Our offshore wind industry will generate billions of dollars in investments in New Jersey’s future that will, in turn, create thousands of jobs.
“We have an immense opportunity to maximize our potential and make this region – and, specifically New Jersey – the nexus of the global offshore wind industry.”
First Lady Tammy Murphy spoke about the importance of fighting climate change, particularly here in NJ.
“From rising sea levels to climbing temperatures, we are beginning to experience the devastating impacts of climate change here in New Jersey,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy.
“By significantly expanding our offshore wind goals, we will make our state more resilient against the effects of climate change and protect our environment for future generations. Today’s Executive Order signals a critical step forward in developing our renewable energy infrastructure and reaching a 100 percent clean energy economy by 2050.”
Vice President Al Gore championed New Jersey as a state leading the movement.
“Today’s announcement couldn’t be more timely and more needed, as climate-related extreme weather events continue to wreak havoc on our communities. With this executive order, Governor Murphy is unleashing the unprecedented economic and job-creating opportunities of clean wind energy,” Gore said.
Before Governor Murphy signed the Executive Order, Liberty Science Center President and CEO Paul Hoffman opened the event with a reminder of the Science Center’s mission – and why it’s so critical that New Jersey takes these steps to combat climate change.
“One of our missions is to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists. We also want to make sure we leave them with an incredible world, and one where we start to make a dent in what’s happening in terms of climate change,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman pointed to LSC’s Science on a Sphere interactive globe, located in the Weston Family Lab for Earth and Space Exploration, which provides real-time data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and allows guests to visualize the realities of climate change.
“That’s really our mission, to help the world and help the kids and adults in New Jersey understand science,” Hoffman said.
Thank you to Governor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and Vice President Al Gore for making Liberty Science Center the site of such an exciting and game-changing announcement for the state’s future!
