Murphy announces $5 million in funds to build green jobs in underprivileged communities

Last Thursday, Gov. Phil Murphy (D-N.J.) announced that the state would be investing $5 million into creating sustainability-centered employment in underserved communities, according to a press release.

The state Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy (OCAGE) released these funds in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

"My administration is proud to provide crucial support for new and existing opportunities in the green jobs sector for all New Jerseyans, including members of overburdened communities who have disproportionately experienced climate impacts," Murphy said.

He said the administration plans to transition into a 100 percent clean energy economy and at the same time the administration is working to reach this goal by the year 2050.

OCAGE’s Executive Director Jane Cohen said the transformation into a completely clean energy output will need an adept and diverse workforce.

"Since the outset of the Murphy administration, we have pursued our clean energy future not just for our environment and growing economy, but for the hard-working New Jerseyans who will fill thousands of new jobs as we strive for a more sustainable tomorrow," she said.