On December 6, 2011, New Jersey released the 2011 Energy Master Plan, (“EMP”)
as an update to the 2008 EMP. This document serves as the blueprint to reduce energy costs, promote conservation/efficiency, promote diverse in-state generation, promote new technologies and achieve a 22.5% state renewable energy portfolio by 2021. While the 22.5% target is less than 30% in the 2008 EMP, the Governor’s Office states “The 30% goal in the 2008 plan was aspirational and had no basis in law or regulation. We remain committed to achieving the 22.5% goal and view that as a floor, not a ceiling.” The 2011 EMP has NJ continues to advocate multiple energy sources including nuclear, natural gas, coal, oil, solar, hydropower, wind, wave or tidal action, geothermal, landfill gas, anaerobic digestion, fuel cells and sustainable biomass. The ability for New Jersey to achieve the 22.5% renewable energy portfolio is being impacted by the scheduled December 31, 2011 expiration of the 2008 “Section 1603” federal incentive that frontloads investment tax credits for domestic energy sources and technologies. Marathon has worked with clients on natural gas, solar, off-shore wind, on-shore wind, and geothermal energy projects throughout NJ. For more information, contact Jay Sciullo at 856-241-9705.