Stimulus could mean green for New Jersey

Since the passage of the federal economic stimulus bill, focus has shifted from arguing about its merits and flaws to figuring out how much money each state will get. New Jersey stands to gain a great deal, but just how those funds are used will determine how "green" our state's gains really are.

Transportation can offer a big opportunity. Although New Jersey's recent transportation priorities have been less damaging to the environment than in the past, proposed new roads and widening projects may increase dramatically as a result of the stimulus funds. Here are three recommendations made by New Jersey Future to ensure the wisest spending of stimulus dollars:

Fix-it-first: Before adding highway lanes — which studies show create as many traffic problems as they solve — start by fixing our existing roads and bridges. A study commissioned after the collapse of the I-90 bridge in Minneapolis found that more than 700 New Jersey bridges were either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.

Invest in "greener" modes of transportation: Big price tags often squash work on expanded public transportation options. But state-of-the-art public transportation is essential for this crowded state we're in. Better public transportation is critical to curing our addiction to oil and reducing air pollution. Plus, an expanded, safer bicycle and pedestrian path system will make these greener transportation options more attractive.

Promote Redevelopment: This is "fix-it-first" for land. Among all the states, New Jersey has the highest percentage of developed land. Stimulus dollars should be used to redevelop areas that already have roads, sewers, etc., rather than continuing our sprawl patterns into farms and fields.

Some of the stimulus package is more "traditional" green. For example, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will receive $280 million for habitat restoration and other activities on public lands. The Natural Resources Conservation Service will get $290 million for watershed infrastructure improvements, including preserving and restoring floodplains. And the U.S. Forest Service will receive $650 million for projects, including trails and ecosystem enhancements. Some of these funds will trickle down into New Jersey.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is slated to receive $7.22 billion for water quality and wastewater infrastructure, storm water mitigation, water- or energy-efficiency improvements or other environmentally innovative projects.

As our state looks for ways to spend its funds, the three principles set out by New Jersey Future can be distilled to one core value: Spend the money to provide the best return for the future. In other words, "Spend it sustainably!" For example, investment in energy efficiency lowers costs far into the future, making sure taxpayers get a continuing return.

This is a principle individual taxpayers can use, too. The stimulus package renews and expands tax incentives for energy conservation. For example, the maximum federal tax incentive you can get for installing energy efficient windows, insulation and appliances has increased from $500 to $1,500. And the $2,000 cap on the deduction for solar systems has been removed, allowing taxpayers to deduct a full 30 percent of the cost. These kinds of energy efficiency upgrades provide home and business owners with long-term savings.

The final "green" tally will take some time to develop, but one thing is clear. All of us — from Gov. Corzine to the average citizen — have a voice and a say in how the funds are spent. Contact your legislators and urge them to spend New Jersey's stimulus dollars wisely and help New Jersey's environment and energy efficiency.
Michele S. Byers
Executive Director New Jersey
Conservation Foundation
Far Hills