COSTS––COMPETING CLAIMS

Clean energy is what we say we want. As towns along the shore realize that rising waters due to global warming will cut into their communities, they are scrambling for solutions. This past week the Board of Public Utilities held a hearing on its plan for new fossil fuel infrastructure.

Clean energy advocates and business interests stood on opposite sides of the issue. What is the real costs, asked business: higher taxes? What is the real cost asked advocates for clean energy: our state facing even greater damage from climate change?

New Jersey along with Rhode Island are two states warming faster than any other state in the Union. This has meant warmer winters that do not kill mosquitos, an increase in ticks causing disease, and a threatened shoreline.  Costs should be measured in more than just a tax bill; costs should be measured in our quality of life.

––Pastor Joyce