>>> FUNDING FOR "NJ BEAT" BEING PROVIDED BY -- WE'RE THE VOICE RENTING ALL INDUSTRIES.

WORKING TO TOGETHER TO HELP BUILD A MORE PROSPEROUS NEW JERSEY THROUGHED A HAVE CASEY AND BENEFITS.

NJU SCHOOL OF BUSINESS.

A GAME-CHANGING FORCE OFFERING PROGRAMS LIKE FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY WHERE BUSINESS ANALYTICS AND DATA SCIENCE.

STEPS AWAY FROM THE EXCHANGE PLACE P.A.T.H.

TRAIN IN JERSEY CITY AND MINUTES FROM WALL STREET.

LEARN MORE AT NJCU.EDU/GAME-CHANGER.

AND IBEW LOCAL 102.

THIS WEEK.

BUILDING BUSINESS IN NEW JERSEY FROM ACROSS THE POND.

THE DEAL STRUCK BY THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION DURING HIS OVERSEAS BUSINESS MISSION.

PLUS, HOW STORES ARE PREPARING FOR THE STATE'S PLASTIC BAG BAN AND THE IMPACT IT COULD HAVE ON SMALL BUSINESSES.

WE'RE PUT THE BUSINESS OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE FOCUS.

FROM THE STATE'S AGGRESSIVE ENERGY MASTER PLAN TO THE COSTS OF SLOWING THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE.

THAT'S AHEAD ON "NJ BUSINESS BEAT."

♪ THIS IS "NJ BUSINESS BEAT" WITH RONDA.

>>> HELLO.

I'M RONDA.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US ON "NJ BUSINESS BEAT."

IF YOU'RE WATCHING ON YOUTUBE, MAKE SURE YOU SUBSCRIBE TO THE SPOTLIGHT NEWS SO YOU TUBE CHANNEL TO GET ALERTED WHEN WE POST NEW EPISODES AND CLIPS.

THE HOPES OF DRUMMING UP BUSINESS FOR THE GARDEN STATE, GOVERNOR MURPHY THIS WEEK WAS IN THE EMERALD ISLE COURTING COMPANIES, SCHMOOZING OFFICIALS WITH AND LURING ONE IRISH FIRM TO SET UP THE U.S. OPERATIONS HERE.

IT WAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE DUBLIN-BASED APPLE GREEN HAS CHOSEN GLEN ROCK AS THE U U.S. HOME.

IT OPERATES HIGH SERVICE PLAZAS WILL INVEST $152 MILLION IN THE GARDEN STATE AND CREATE 100 NEW JOBS.

ANOTHER 800 JOBS WILL BE ADDED IN THE YEARS TO COME AND THAT WILL REDEVELOP THE SERVICE PLAZAS IN NEW JERSEY.

BY THE END OF THE WEEK, MURPHY WAS BACK IN OUR STATE WHERE HE ANNOUNCED ANOTHER DEAL.

THIS TIME IN THE OFFSHORE WIND INDUSTRY.

THEY SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE TO MAKE SPACE AT THE NEW JERSEY WIND PORT IN SALEM COUNTY TO BUILD THE COMPONENTS FOR ITS OFFSHORE WIND FARM.

HIGH TIMES FOR NEW JERSEY'S RECREATIONAL CANNABIS MARKET.

THE STATE REPORTED ON THE FIRST DAY OF LEGAL SALES, DISPENSARYINGS SOLD PRODUCTS TO MORE THAN 12,000 CUSTOMERS GROSSING NEARLY $1.9 MILLION.

THE CANNABIS REGULATORY COMMISSION SAID LINES HAVE BEEN STEADY AT ALL THE DISPENSARIES AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO PROBLEMS WITH SUPPLY FOR MEDICINAL CANNABIS PATIENTS.

>>> WHEN IT COMES TO RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT IN NEW JERSEY, THE STATE WANTS TO SEE MORE DIVERSITY.

SO THE NEW JERSEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO ESTABLISH A DIVERSE DEVELOPER FUND.

ADA'S CEO TIM SULLIVAN EXPLAINS THE STATE IS NOW SEEKING INPUT TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE FINANCIAL CHALLENGES MINORITY AND WOMEN DEVELOPERS FACE.

>> SIGNIFICANT DISPARITY IN THE ACCESS TO CAPITAL FOR MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES GENERALLY.

THIS IS FOCUSSED ON REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT.

THERE'S A TON OF REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT POISED TO HAPPEN IN NEW JERSEY.

THERE'S A TON OF HOUSING CONSTRUCTION AND TONS OF MIXED USE INCOME.

PROJECTS POISED TO TAKE UP.

WE WANT TO MAKESURE EVERYONE HA FAIR SHOT AT PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAMS WE'RE RUNNING.

>> HISTORY MADE IN HOPEWELL THIS WEEK.

WORKERS AT THIS STARBUCKS BECAME THE FIRST TO UNIONIZE IN THE STATE.

THEY VOTED ANONYMOUSLY TO JOIN STARBUCKS WORKERS UNITED, PART OF A GROWING UNION MOVEMENT FOR WORKERS AT STARBUCKS.

A COMPANY THAT GENERATED MORE THAN $8 BILLION IN REVENUE IN ITS LAST QUARTER.

WE TALKED TO SOME STARBUCKS ORGANIZERS WHO BELIEVE THE MOVEMENT WILL CONTINUE TO GROW.

>> I HAD DON'T SEE THAT SLOWING DOWN AT ALL.

>> WE FEEL MORE LIKE WE SHOULD LEARN AND WE FEEL PUSHED TO OUR LIMITS.

SO ANY CHANGES THAT WE WANT IN THE CONTRACT IS GOING TO KIND OF HELP US FEEL MORE HUMAN IN THIS COMPANY.

COULD HOME SALES FINALLY START TO COOL.

THAT'S FROM FANNIE MAE A LEADING SOURCE OF FINANCE MORTGAGE IN THE U.S.

ACCORDING TO THE ECONOMISTS, THE SHARP RISE IN MORTGAGE RATES WILL LEAD TO A DROP OFF IN HOME SALES AS WELL AS HOME PRICES, WHICH HAVE BEEN SURGING OF LATE.

IF YOU'RE SHOPPING FOR A MORTGAGE, YOU MAY BE IN FOR SOME STICKER SHOCK.

30-YEAR CONVENTIONAL FIXED RATE MORTGAGES ARE ABOVE 5%.

A YEAR AGO THEY WERE JUST OVER 3%.

>>> NEXT WEDNESDAY, NEW JERSEY'S BAN ON PLASTIC BAGS WITH SOME EXCEPTIONS TAKES EFFECT.

IN ADDITION THE NEW LAW BANS PAPER BAGS IN GROCERY STORES.

NOT EVERYONE SUPPORTS THE BAN.

I SPOKE WITH ZACHARY TAYLOR, DIRECTOR OF THE AMERICAN RECYCLABLE PLASTIC BAG ALLIANCE.

A LOBBYING GROUP ABOUT THE IMPACT THAT HE BELIEVES THE BAN WILL HAVE ON NEW JERSEY BUSINESSES.

>> GOO TO HAVE YOU ON.

YOU HAVE SPOKEN OUT AGAINST THE BAG BAN THAT WILL BE GOING INTO PLACE HERE IN NEW JERSEY.

WHY, IF YOUR MIND, SHOULD THERE HAVE BEEN AN ALTERNATIVE?

>> NEW JERSEY BAG BAN, NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE AWARE OF THE FULL SCOPE AND HOW IT'LL IMPACT BUSINESSES IN THE COMMUNITY.

IT WILL INCREASE GROCERY BILLS.

IT'S THE WRONG TIME FOR THAT.

BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE LAW IS WRITTEN, IT REQUIRES STORES TO OFFER HANDLES.

THOSE ARE MADE FROM PLASTIC.

EVERYONE IS TOUTING A PLASTIC BAG BAN.

THE BILL FORCES CONSUMERS TO SWITCH TO ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS THAT ARE STILL MADE FROM PLASTIC, REQUIRE MORE REUSES TO OFFSET THEIR GREATER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, AND CAN'T BE RECYCLED AT THEENED OF THEIR LIFE.

THAT'S A KEY DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE PRODUCTS THEY WANT REUSABLE AND RECYCLABLE PLASTIC BAGS.

>> LET ME CIRCLE BACK WITH YOU.

SOMETHING YOU SAID ABOUT HOW BUSINESSES WOULD BE IMPACTED.

YOU BELIEVE GROCERY BILLS WILL GO UP FOR RESIDENTS.

WHAT IS IT GOING TO DO FOR THE BOTTOM LINE OF BUSINESSES?

>> WELL, THERE'S A MASSIVE SHORTAGE RIGHT NOW ACROSS THE U.S.

IN PAPER BAGS.

FOR SOME STORES, THAT'S THE OPTION THEY CAN OFFER TO CONSUMERS.

IT USED TO COST BETWEEN 6 TO 8 CENTS IS 10 TO 12.

IT'S FOR THE MOST BASIC PAPER BAG.

OBVIOUSLY THE LAW IS WRITTEN, THE SMALLEST OF SMALL STORES CAN CONTINUE TO OFFER PAPER.

AND AS A RESULT, THEY DON'T HAVE THE BUYING POWER.

THEY COULD BE SEEING PRICES EVEN GREATER THAN THAT.

>> OF COURSE, THIS IS ABOUT TO ROLL OUT HERE.

IN MANY WAYS, IT'S A DONE DEAL.

BUT YOU LOOK AT THINGS FROM A POLICY PERSPECTIVE.

IF YOU COULD, PERHAPS, CHANGE POLICY OR THINK OF POLICY ON A MORE NATIONAL LEVEL THAT, IN YOUR MIND, IS MORE BALANCED, HOW WOULD YOU DO THAT?

>> EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY PASSED A DIFFERENT LAW.

IT WAS SENATE BILL 2515.

IT ESTABLISHED RECYCLED CONTENT REQUIREMENTS.

AS AN INDUSTRY WE SUPPORT THE USE OF RECYCLED CONTENT.

WE KNOW A SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT AND INDUSTRY.

SO WE THINK PROMOTING RECYCLED CONTENT INCREASING THE USE OF RECYCLED CONTENT, GETTING MORE BAGS BACK TO THE STORE TO BE RECYCLED.

WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE SURE CONSUMERS UNDERSTAND HOW THE PROCESS WORKS AND HOW THEY CAN UTILIZE IT TO RETURN OTHER KIND OF PLASTIC THAT CAN BE RECYCLED ALONGSIDE BAGS MAKES MORE SENSE.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT EVERY LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT CONDUCTED ON CARRY OUT BAGS, THEY COME TO THE SAME CONCLUSION.

AS LONG AS IT'S DISPOSED PROPERLY, IT REDUCES ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS.

RIGHT NOW NEW JERSEY'S LAW IS FORCING PEOPLE TO USE ALTERNATIVE BAGS AND HAVE A WORSE ENVIRONMENTAL PROFILE.

IT WAS DONE IN THE NAME OF SUSTAINABILITY BUT WE'RE CONCERNED IT'S GOING TO DO THE OPPOSITE WHILE INCREASING PAIN ON CONSUMERS AT A TIME WHEN THEY CAN LEAST AFFORD IT.

>> GOOD TO TALK TO YOU TODAY, ZACHARY.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME.

>> AB CHUTELY.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>>> WHETHER IT'S BANNING PLASTIC BAGS OR PROMOTING OFFSHORE WIND, GOVERNOR MURPHY HAS TALKED A LOT ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT.

LAST WEEK THE STATE ANNOUNCED A PLAN TO INVEST $15 MILLION ON PROJECTS TO FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE.

COMPANIES AROUND THE WORLD ARE INVESTING IN ALL THINGS CLEAN AND GREEN.

THIS WEEK WE'RE PUTTING THE BUSINESS OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN FOCUS.

IN 2020, THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PUT OUT A FIRST SCIENTIFIC REPORT ON CLIMATE CHANGE, WHICH STATED THAT NEW JERSEY HAS SEEN EVIDENCE OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN OUR INCREASINGLY MILD WINTERS.

MORE FREQUENT HEAVY RAINS, AND INCREASED FLOODING.

THE REPORT FOUND THAT NEW JERSEY IS WARMING FASTER THAN THE REST OF THE NORTHEAST.

SINCE 1895, NEW JERSEY'S ANNUAL TEMPERATURE HAS INCREASED BY 3.5 DEGREES.

BUT BY 2050, THE AVERAGE ANNUAL TEMP WILL INCREASE FROM 5.7 DEGREES.

THEY RELEASED TWO STUDIES THAT FOUND PRECIPITATION IS ALREADY 2.5% TO 10% HIGHER THAN LEVELS SEEN IN 1999.

BY THE YEAR 2100, IT'S LIKELY TO BE 20% HIGHER.

TO ADDRESS IMPACTS FROM CLIMATE CHANGE, THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION A FEW YEARS AGO RELEASED A STATE'S ENERGY MASTER PLAN.

IT CALLS FOR 100% CLEAN ENERGY BY 2050.

REDUCING ENERGY IN THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR, DEVELOPING WIND AND SOLAR INDUSTRIES, AND EXPANDING THE CLEAN ENERGY INNOVATION ECONOMY.

WHAT IS THE PRICE TAG FOR THAT?

A GROUP CALLED AFFORDABLE ENERGY FOR NEW JERSEY CONTENDS THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION HAS FAILED TO RELEASE DETAILS ON HOW MANY THE MASTER PLAN WILL COST RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES.

THIS GROUP PUTS THE PRICE TAG AT $500 BILLION FOR THE STATE OR $200,000 FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR.

EARLIER, WE TOLD YOU ABOUT GOVERNOR MURPHY'S ANNOUNCEMENT THAT ORR STEAD WILL USE THE NEW WIND PORT IN SOUTH JERSEY.

HE MADE THE NEWS IN ATLANTIC CITY AT A BIG OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY CONFERENCE HOSTED BY THE BUSINESS NETWORK FOR OFFSHORE WIND.

THAT'S A NATIONAL NONPROFIT.

THE CEO SAT DOWN WITH ME TO DISCUSS THE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN GROWING THE OFFSHORE WIND MARKET.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY ISSUES THAT THE INDUSTRY IS FACING RIGHT NOW?

>> AS WE SEE THE U.S. WIND INDUSTRY JUST SKYROCKETING, WE HAVE MORE THAN 17,000 MEGAWATTS OF OFFSHORE WIND UNDERDEVELOPMENT THAT EQUATES INTO ABOUT 2,000 TURBINES.

WE NEED A LOT OF BUSINESSES IN ORDER TO ENTER INTO THE WIND SECTOR IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE THAT WE BUILD AND CONSTRUCT THESE PROJECTS HERE IN THE UNITED STATES.

WE'RE FACING A SHORTAGE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESSES THAT CAN ENTER INTO THE OFFSHORE WIND SECTOR AND PERFORM THE WORK LOCALLY.

>> AND WHY IS THAT?

WHAT IS HOLDING THESE SMALLER COMPANIES BACK?

BECAUSE WE HEAR SO MUCH ABOUT HOW IMPORTANT THIS INDUSTRY IS.

SO IS IT EMPLOYERS OR MATERIALS?

IS IT NOT HAVING CONTRACTS?

WHAT IS THE HOLD UP, REALLY?

>> I THINK IT'S NOT THERE'S A LACK OF MATERIALS OR A LACK OF WILLINGNESS IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN OFFSHORE WIND.

IT'S JUST A MATTER OF EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE OF KNOWING WHEN AND HOW TO ENTER INTO THE SUPPLY CHAIN.

THAT'S WHAT THE BUSINESS NETWORK FOR OFFSHORE WIND DOES.

IT'S OUR CORE MISSION.

TO HELP SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESSES ENTER INTO THE SECTOR AND TO REALLY CREATE THE PARTNERSHIPS AND THE EXPERTISE THEY NEED WITH OTHER COMPANIES, PARTICULARLY IN EUROPE OR MAYBE EVEN INTO THE GULF OF MEXICO.

>> AS YOU KNOW, HERE IN NEW JERSEY, WE'VE SEEN A LOT OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT IN THIS MOVE FORWARD OFFSHORE WIND.

WE'VE SEEN SUPPORT AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL WITH THE RECENT OFFSHORE AUCTION THAT WAS CONDUCTED.

IS THIS A POOIF TAL MOMENT FOR THE INDUSTRY IN TERMS OF SUPPORT TO REALLY GET IT OFF THE GROUND?

>> WHAT WE'RE SEEING IS, YOU KNOW, GREAT SUPPORT FROM ALL LEVELS.

YOU MENTIONED FEDERAL AND STATE SUPPORT.

GOVERNOR MURPHY HAS BEEN A HUGE LEADER IN THE FIELD AND REALLY STANDING OUT AMONG HIS PEERS AND CREATING A LARGE MARKET IN A TRANSPARENT MARKET SO IT IS DERISK OFFSHORE WIND.

>> WOULD YOU EXPECT THAT ONCE BUSINESSES JUST GET GREATER AWARENESS OF THE POTENTIAL FOR THEIR OWN COMPANIES THAT THEY WILL MOVE MORE RAPIDLY INTO THE OFFSHORE WIND BUSINESS?

OBVIOUSLY FOR A LOT OF COMPANIES IT'S AN UNKNOWN.

WE HAVEN'T DONE IT AT THIS SCALE BEFORE.

>> WE'RE SEEING A LOT OF COMPANIES DIVERSIFY INTO THE SECTOR.

WE'VE HAD OVER A THOUSAND CONTRACTS SO FAR LEFT.

>> LIZ, GOOD TO TALK TO YOU.

WIND ENERGY WILL HELP PHASE OUT THE USE OF FOSSIL FUELS BUT WE'RE NOT THERE YET.

RECENTLY A COALITION OF NEW JERSEY ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS RELEASED A REPORT CRITICIZING THE STATE'S APPROVAL OF FOSSIL FUEL PROJECTS THEY SAY ARE CONTRIBUTING TO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS.

I SPOKE WITH CLEAN WATER ACTIONS AMY GOLDSCHMIDT WHO IS A COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR EMPOWER NJ.

>> THEY RECENTLY PUT OUT A REPORT THAT WAS CRITICAL OF THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION'S ATTEMPT TO REACH SOME OF THE CLIMATE GOALS.

WHAT DID THE REPORT FIND?

>> SINCE THE GOVERNOR CAME INTO OFFICE, SIX MORE FOSSIL FUEL PROJECTS HAVE BEEN APPROVED UNDER HIS WATCH.

THAT INCREASES GREENHOUSE GASES BY 19%.

THERE'S ANOTHER SEVEN PROJECTS THAT ARE BEING CONSIDERED NOW.

IF THEY WERE APPROVED IT WOULD BE ANOTHER 38% OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ADDED TO THE INVENTORY FOR NEW JERSEY.

>> THE GOVERNOR DID A PRESS RELEASE SAYING CLIMATE CHANGE IS THE GREATEST LONG-TERM THREAT TO NEW JERSEY'S PEOPLE, COMMUNITY, AND ECONOMY.

AND WE'RE GOING TO SET AN EXAMPLE FOR THE NATION.

IF THIS IS THE EXAMPLE THAT WE WANT TO SET FOR THE NATION, WHICH IS ACTUALLY ADD MORE FOSSIL FUEL THAN NOT LESS, THAT'S NOT THE KIND OF EXAMPLE WE WANT TO SET.

>> I KNOW THERE'S ALSO SOME CONCERN ABOUT WHERE SOME OF THESE PROJECTS ARE BEING LOCATED IN CERTAIN COMMUNITIES.

YOU'VE RAISED CONCERNS THESE ARE BLACK AND BROWN COMMUNITIES AND PROJECTS ARE GOING IN THERE.

>> AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE LAW, WHICH WENT INTO EFFECT -- WE'RE WAITING FOR IT TO GO INTO EFFECT BECAUSE THE LAW WAS PASSED IN 2020.

WE'RE WAITING FOR THE RULES.

THE RULES ARE OVER A YEAR OLD.

THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN DONE LAST YEAR, IF NOT SOONER.

WE'RE PROBABLY NOT GOING TO GET THEM ADOPTED UNTIL NEXT YEAR.

OR AT THE VERY BEST THE END OF THIS YEAR.

THE RULES MIGHT HAVE HELPED US PREVENT SOME OF THESE FACILITIES FROM BEING BUILT.

THE RULES ARE NOT EFFECTIVE YET.

SO WE HAVE TO FIGHT OFF THESE PROJECTS WITHOUT THE PROTECTIONS THAT WE SHOULD HAVE.

>> YOU'VE OBVIOUSLY WOULD LIKEN THE PROJECTS NOT HAPPEN.

WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THAT WOULD ASSURE YOU THAT NEW JERSEY IS MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?

>> ONE, WE WANT THE JOBS TO BE CREATED AND THE TRAINING TO GO ALONG WITH IT.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND THE INCENTIVE TO MOVE IN THAT DIRECTION HAPPEN.

WE WANT THE GOVERNOR AND THE DIFFERENT AGENCIES TO ADOPT THE APPROVALS THAT ARE ALREADY TWO AND THREE YEARS BEHIND THE COMMITMENTS THAT HE MADE.

THESE ARE ALL THINGS.

WE NEED TO SAY NO MORE FOSSIL FUELS.

WE HAVE TO MANDATE EMISSION REDUCTIONS AS A OPPOSED TO HOPE WE'RE GOING TO GET THERE.

>> GOOD TO TALK TO YOU.

I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME TODAY.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> IN RESPONSE TO THE EMPOWER NJ REPORT, A SPOKESMAN FOR MURPHY'S OFFICE TOLD NJ ADVANCED MEDIA THE GOVERNOR REMAINS COMMITTED TO ADDRESSING THE CRITICAL AND URGENT ISSUE OF CLIMATE CHANGE.

EARLIER THIS YEAR, A POWER NJ SUED THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION OVER ALLEGED CLIMATE POLICY FAILURES.

AT THAT TIME, THE ADMINISTRATION DECLINED TO COMMENT ON PENDING LITIGATION.

>>> IF FOR MORE THAN TWO DECADES, A GROUP OF NEW JERSEY BUSINESS LEADERS HAVE BEEN MEETING REGULARLY TO TALK ABOUT KEY ISSUES AND THE IMPACT ON THEIR COMPANIES.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS COUNCIL IS PART OF THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY.

I TALKED WITH THE GROUP'S PRESIDENT ANTHONY RUSSO ABOUT HIS ORGANIZATION'S FOCUS ON BUSINESS AND THE ENVIRONMENT.

>> YOUR ORGANIZATION RECENTLY RECOGNIZED A LOT OF BUSINESSES AROUND THE STATE FOR THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP.

WHY IS THIS SOMETHING WORTH CELEBRATING?

>> FOR A LOT OF REASONS.

WE TAKE PRIDE IN THE FACT WE REPRESENT 900 COMPANIES IN ALMOST EVERY BUSINESS SECTOR.

I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO TAKE TIME IN APRIL EACH YEAR WHEN WE CELEBRATE EARTH DAY.

WE DID -- >> AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE BELIEVE IF YOU'RE A GOOD STEWART OF THE ENVIRONMENT, IT WILL BE RETURNED FROM A BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE AND THOSE ARE GOOD STORIES TO TELL.

>> YOU ALSO HAVE AN ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS COUNCIL.

TELL ME WHAT THAT COUNCIL DOES.

HOW ACTIVE YOUR MEMBERS ARE.

>> EVERY TWO MONTHS WE GET TOGETHER THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONALS IN A ROOM.

WE DO AN HOUR AND A HALF.

WE EXCHANGE IDEAS AND EDUCATE EACH OTHER ON THE TERMS OF WHAT IS GOING ON AND WATER QUALITY ISSUES AND MEDIATIONS.

>> WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIG ISSUES THAT ARE TOP OF MIND RIGHT NOW FOR NEW JERSEY BUSINESS LEADERS WHEN IT COMES TO THE ENVIRONMENT?

>> EVERYBODY IS LOOKING AT WHAT IS GOING ON WITH CLIMATE CHANGE.

THE ENERGY MASTER PLAN.

IF YOU'RE A MANUFACTURER, WITH, YOU KNOW, YOU'RE LOOKING AT SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING PRACTICES.

IF YOU'RE IN ANY OTHER INDUSTRY ELECT FIE -- A LOT OF COMPANIES ARE PUTTING ON SOLAR PANELS AND SWITCHING TO RENEWABLE SOURCES.

THOSE ARE BIG ISSUES NOW.

WE'RE WORKING ON A PROGRAM LATER THIS YEAR.

IT EDUCATES OUR COMPANIES.

IT'S ANOTHER BIG ISSUE IS YOU'VE PROBABLY HEARD THE TERM ESG.

ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL GOVERNANCE.

TO BE MORE RESPONSIBLE ACROSS THE BOARD.

>> PRESIDENT BIDEN RECENTLY PROPOSED MORE MONEY FOR SUPER FUND SITE REMEDIATION.

IS THAT BEING SEEN AS AN OPPORTUNITY HERE IN NEW JERSEY?

WE HAVE MORE THAN A HUNDRED COMPANIES THAT ARE ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONALS.

FOR THEM IT'S GREAT.

ANY TIME YOU CAN TAKE A BROWNFIELD SITE AND CLEAN IT UP AND PUT IT BACK INTO GOOD USE, GUESS WHAT.

THE COMMUNITY WINS.

THE ECONOMY WINS.

BECAUSE THOSE ARE GOING TO BE JOBS.

WE'RE EXCITED WHEN WE HAVE MONEY AND THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY HAS A LOT OF MONEY NOW.

>> THANK YOU FOR CATCHING UP ON THE TOPIC.

I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> ENVIRONMENTALLY FOCUSSED BUSINESS SET THE SITES ON JERSEY.

THE COMPANY SPEAKS TO QUICKEN THE PACE OF COMMERCIAL ADOPTION OF THE ELECTRIC VEHICLES.

IT'S OPENING A NEW CENTER TO SHOW OFF SOME EV TECHNOLOGY AND TO GET THE WORD OUT IT CAN HELP COMPANIES ELECT FIE THEIR FLEETS.

THE PRESIDENT OF MOBILITY.

>> YOU ANNOUNCED YOU'RE GOING TO OPEN AN EV EXPERIENCE CENTER IN NEW JERSEY.

TELL ME WHAT IT'S ABOUT.

>> SO WE WILL BE BRINGING IN A LOT OF ENGINEERING STUFF AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT, ET.

CETERA TO SUPPORT THOSE.

PRIMARILY IT'S TO DEMONSTRATE THE TECHNOLOGY TO STAKEHOLDERS AND GENERAL PUBLIC FROM TIME TO TIME AND OTHER BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS.

>> AND HOW DO YOU HELP COMPANIES TRANSITION INTO THE WORLD OF EV?

WE'RE FOCUSSED ON THE COMMERCIAL EV MARKET.

A LOT OF OUR CUSTOMERS ARE LARGE LOGISTICS COMPANIES.

>> AND AS YOU KNOW, WE HAVE A LOT OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES IN NEW JERSEY ESPECIALLY IN THE AREA IN WHICH YOU'LL BE OPENING THE EV CENTER.

WE HEAR INCENTIVES FOR PEOPLE TO CONVERT TO EV CARS.

WHAT ABOUT THE COMPANIES THAT WANT TO GO GREENER BUT STRUGGLE TO GET THERE?

>> THAT'S ONE OF THE CHALLENGES.

THE SECOND IS THE CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE.

A LOT OF THESE VEHICLES LOOK LIKE NORMAL VEHICLES.

THEY DRIVE LIKE NORMAL VEHICLES.

AND OBVIOUSLY YOU HAVE TO CHARGE THEM.

THAT NAS TATES YOU LOOK AT THE ENERGY SUPPLY CONSTRAINTS WITHIN THE SIGHTS AND LOGISTIC CENTERS AND DECIDING HOW MANY VEHICLES YOU CAN ACTUALLY CHARGE AT ANY ONE TIME WITHOUT AFFECTING THE ENERGY SUPPLY THAT YOU'RE RELYING ON.

SO A LOT OF OUR EFFORT GOES INTO ENSURING THE RIGHT SIZE CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE.

THE OTHER ELEMENT OF THIS COST ONE OF THE THINGS THEY HAVE WITH THE DIVISION IS AID MOMMICS CAPITAL THAT CAN PROVIDE THE FUNDING TO HELP THOSE COMPANIES PIVOT FROM WHAT HAS BEEN A LARGE EXPENDITURE.

>> WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE GROWTH OF AN EV MARKET IN NEW JERSEY?

>> I THINK THE ADOPTION IS GOING TO BE RAPID.

>> IT'S GREAT TOO TALK TO YOU.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THIS EXPERIENCE.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> YEAH.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

HAVE A GOOD DAY.

>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US ON "NJ BUSINESS BEAT."

WE'LL SEE YOU NEXT WEEK WHEN WE LOOK AT THE STATE OF SMALL BUSINESS IN NEW JERSEY.

WE MARK NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK.

THANKS FOR WATCHING.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

>>> FUNDING FOR NJ BUSINESS BEAT, PROVIDED BY, FOR MORE THAN 110 YEARS, NJ-BIA HAS BEEN FOCUSED ON THE ADVANCEMENT AND SUCCESS OF OUR MEMBERS.

WE'RE THE VOICE REPRESENTING ALL INDUSTRIES.

WORKING TOGETHER, TO HELP BUILD A MORE PROSPEROUS NEW JERSEY.

THROUGH ADVOCACY, SUPPORT, NETWORKING AND BENEFITS.

NJCU SCHOOL OF BUSINESS.

A GAME-CHANGING FORCE.

OFFERING PROGRAMS LIKE FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY.

OR BUSINESS ANALYTICS, AND DATA SCIENCE.

WE'RE STEPS AWAY FROM THE EXCHANGE PLACE PATH TRAIN IN JERSEY CITY AND MINUTES FROM WALL STREET.

LEARN MORE AT NJCU.EDU/GAME CHANGER.

AND IBEW LOCAL 102.

PROUDLY SERVING NEW JERSEY'S BUSINESS COMMUNITY SINCE 1900.

LOCAL 102.

LIGHTING THE PATH.

LEADING THE WAY.

VISIT IBEW 102.ORG.