Issues & Legislation
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at a Local Bank
Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula has sponsored several initiatives this legislative session aimed at improving the economy and helping New Jersey residents.
Summary of Upendra's Bills "On the Move":
- A2529- Presses for the use of renewable energy technologies that would reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Under A2529, certain technologies can be classified as Class I and Class II renewable energy based on evaluations conducted by the Department of Environmental Protection in consultation with the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). This bill would redefine, "Class I renewable energy" to include "electric energy produced from solar technologies, photovoltaic technologies, wind energy, fuel cells, geothermal technologies, wave or tidal action and small scale hydropower facilities with a capacity of three megawatts or less." It also reclassifies "Class II renewable energy" to include, "electric energy produced at a hydropower facility with a capacity of greater than three megawatts or a resource recovery facility; provided that such facility is located where retail competition is permitted." This bill would facilitate the creation of green jobs once these new technologies are given Class I status and provides incentives for these renewable and pollution-free technologies.
- A3992- Establishes a new category of wind energy generation projects on farmland that promotes the use of renewable energy. This bill would expand the use of wind turbines on farms while providing strict regulations that would help preserve the natural beauty of rural New Jersey. Assemblymen Chivukula has continually pushed for developing viable energy alternatives for New Jersey, whether it be through promoting innovative thermal, solar, and wind power technologies or his political support for SRECs, ORECs (Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificates), and the New Jersey's Energy Master Plan
- A3668- Legislation that would enable municipalities to share energy services and lower power production costs. Assemblymen Chivukula, a sponsor of the bill, referred to it as, "A breakthrough measure that would empower towns to lower costs and leverage efficiencies by pooling their resources to purchase and develop safe and reliable energy sources at more affordable rates."
Legislative Highlights
- A 3520 (08-09) - "The Solar Energy Advancement and Fair Competition Act." Is a law that requires the state Board of Public Utilities to institute multi-year schedules for the sale of solar electricity electric power suppliers as well as basic generation service providers. This legislation allows the State's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to include all solar technologies within the definition of Solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs). Furthermore, it directs power supply companies to disclose on their customers bill a common set of information about the environmental characteristics of the energy purchased by the customer. A3520 was approved on January 17, 2010. The law can be found here: P.L. 2009, c289
- A3339 (08-09) - A law focused on expanding the customer base for generation facilities to serve, while still retaining the title of an, "on-site generation facility." It promotes the use of thermal energy as well as the use of pre-existing distribution networks for delivery of co-generation electric power to thermal energy services customers; a motion that would, "maximize economic efficiency and electrical safety." A3339 was approved on January 16, 2010. The law can be found here: P.L. 2009, c240
Economic Development
Upendra is a strong supporter of the Business Employment Incentive Program (BEIP), which assists in job creation and business expansion, and the Commission on Science and Technology, which encourages technological development and job growth.
Upendra Answers Questions During
his "Back to School" Lecture Tour
Education
"We want to make sure that our children are able to compete in the global marketplace." Upendra makes it a priority to fight for K-12 and higher education funding, and has co-sponsored legislation that will add technology as part of a school's core curriculum.
Upendra works closely with community schools and programs to ensure that our children are prepared to be the leaders of tomorrow.
Environment
As a legislator, Upendra has addressed the need for open space and the significance of our environment. He has worked on banning radioactive waste from Superfund sites from entering our sewers, and supports chemical safety and providing access to clean water.
- RGGI- The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is a regulatory program in the United States aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and more specifically reducing CO2 emissions 10% by the year 2018. This bill was passed by ten New England and Mid-Atlantic states, although on May 26, 2011 Governor Christie decided to withdraw New Jersey from the greenhouse pact. A move Assemblymen Chivukula proclaimed to be, "A reckless endangerment to the environment; [and] a regressive and misguided move that impedes decades of progress towards a responsible energy future."
Senior Citizens
Upendra is a primary sponsor of a Bill of Rights for senior citizens living in congregated housing, and has sponsored legislation to increase the safety of seniors. He has worked to discount NJ Path tickets, prohibit employer discrimination due to age, and establish payment plans to utility companies. He supports a Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program and automatic enrollment in Senior Gold & PAAD plans.
District 17 Funding
Upendra has worked hard to ensure that over one million dollars in funds have gone towards the communities in District 17. Examples of grants received by our community include a $175,000 NJ Department of Transportation Pedestrian Safety & Bikeway Grant, a $100,000 NJ Dept. of Community Affairs Neighborhood Preservation Grant, and a $175,000 NJ Dept. of Law & Public Safety Statewide Local Domestic Preparedness Equipment Grant.
Homeland Security
New Jersey is a leader in protection programs related to domestic security, terrorism and infrastructure. Upendra has helped obtain funding for our community's first responders, and understands the importance of safety in today's world.
New Jersey has established programs including a bio-terrorism rapid response team, smallpox vaccination tracking systems, a Medical Emergency and Disaster Preparedness and Response Expert Panel, and a two-way radio system to connect all acute care hospitals.
Please visit www.state.nj.us/njhomelandsecurity and www.ready.gov for more information.
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