New Jersey’s environmental toll of commuting is improving
The New Jersey DEP says transportation is the number one source of greenhouse gas pollution.
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New Jersey is a commuter state, and the state is taking measures to try and make all that travel greener.
The New Jersey DEP says transportation is the number one source of greenhouse gas pollution, but the environmental toll of commuting is lightening up.
“Things have improved,” said David Behrend, the executive director of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. “Obviously, cars have gotten more efficient and burn fuel cleaner. You’ve seen the same or more volume of trips, but not more pollution.”
New Jersey’s carbon footprint has gotten smaller over the years, with 2022 being the most recent with DEP data.
But according to the latest American Lung Association State of The Air report, most New Jersey counties still get a “D” or “F” grade for their particulate matter and ozone pollution.
“Ozone pollution is caused by the reactions in the atmosphere of two kinds of pollution that we put out from tailpipes and smokestacks and so on,” said Kevin Stewart, the director of environmental health at the American Lung Association.
“Transportation is more than just the daily commute to and from work,” said Behrend. “Every box that arrives at your door from your online order is coming via a truck.”
More than a dozen school districts received state grants to buy electric buses. The multistate Clean Corridor Coalition is installing electric vehicle chargers strategically along the most-traveled spots.
And although public transit in New Jersey has been subject to service criticism, environmental advocates say having these options is a plus.
“Other regions and states are envious of what we do have,” Behrend said. “On any given day, you may have three or four different options on how to get from point A to point B. And, I can tell you that my brother who lives in Los Angeles does not feel that he has that.”
New Jersey Transit will soon purchase 20 electric buses, which they say have lower operating costs and vehicle emissions. They’ve also invested in dual-powered trains, which function like a hybrid car.
