NJ Governor Vetoes Return to Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on July 13th vetoed a bill (A4701) that would have returned the state of New Jersey to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Christie said, “This bill is nothing more than an unnecessary, politically motivated tax increase.” The governor withdrew New Jersey from RGGI back in 2011. This was the state legislature’s third attempt to rejoin the agreement.

Christie said in his veto statement, “I have vetoed two previous attempts by the Legislature to require New Jersey’s participation in RGGI and my position has not changed. The third time will not be the charm.” Unfortunately for Christie, he is at the end of his term, and both the Republican and Democratic gubernatorial candidates have pledged to rejoin RGGI if elected.