Statement from Governor Martin O'Malley on New Jersey Governor Christie's Decision to Withdraw from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Annapolis, MD (May 26, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued the following statement today regarding New Jersey Republican Governor Chris Christie’s announcement that New Jersey will withdraw from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI):
“I am disappointed in Governor Christie’s decision to withdraw from RGGI and I reject his assertion that the initiative is ineffective in reducing greenhouse gases. RGGI represents an important multi-state effort to address climate change at a time when consensus eludes Congress.
“We are in a fight for our children’s future. And in this fight some states will win and some states will lose. For Maryland to be a winner in this new economy, we must move forward – not back – by creating and saving jobs through innovation, while improving public safety, public education, and our quality of life.”
“Governor Christie is simply wrong when he claims that these efforts are a failure. Here in Maryland, RGGI has avoided dangerous carbon dioxide emissions in Maryland equivalent to taking nearly 3,500 cars off the road. Through last year, we’ve raised $162.4 million in RGGI proceeds – funds that have been used for programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
