119-24 Resolution - CEP Grant Program.pdf

119-24 April 9, 2024 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION TO THE NEW JERSEY CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAM COMMUNITY ENERGY PLANNING GRANT PROGRAM WHEREAS, a sustainable community seeks to ensure that its environmental, economic and social objectives are balanced and mutually supportive; and WHEREAS, West Orange Township strives to assure clean land, air and water for current and future generations; and WHEREAS, New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan: Pathway to 2050 (“EMP”) established that community-level action is necessary to achieve the state’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2050; and WHEREAS, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has created a Community Energy Plan Grant program for municipalities to develop a community energy plan to meet the goals of the state’s Energy Master Plan; and WHEREAS, West Orange Township is invested in developing a community energy plan to help the state achieve the goal of 100% clean energy by 2050; and WHEREAS, the Community Energy Plan Grant program will help West Orange Township to plan for and invest in renewable energy and to work towards a better environment for all residents by using the state’s Energy Master Plan (EMP) as a guide to develop sustainable strategies that increase clean energy production, reduce energy use, and cut emissions. WHEREAS, the Township Council of West Orange Township has determined that West Orange Township should apply for the aforementioned Community Energy Planning Grant program; and WHEREAS, West Orange Township will commit to providing staff support for the duration of the Community Energy Planning process, including for gathering of relevant data and for convening at least one public meeting. NOW, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the Town Council of West Orange Township of the State of New Jersey, authorizes the submission of the aforementioned application to the NJBPU Community Energy Planning Grant program. Karen J. Carnevale, R.M.C. Bill Rutherford, Municipal Clerk Council President Adopted: April 9, 2024