TRENTON, NJ – Following an ambitious move by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, eyes now turn to New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy on whether a ban on single-use plastic bottles is imminent. Governor Healey, in a recent directive, ceased the purchase of single-use plastic bottles by state agencies, a step unveiled at a Clinton Global Initiative meeting in New York City.
The Massachusetts governor, allied with environmental pursuits, has been vocal about climate change mitigation, with policies steering towards biodiversity conservation, pollution reduction, and a shift to electric vehicles. An immediate enforcement of the Executive Order showcased the urgency of tackling the plastic menace, a sentiment echoed by Healey in a subsequent tweet.
This narrative unfolds as New Jersey has already seen bans on plastic bags, plastic straws, foam containers, and gas cars under Governor Murphy’s administration. The discourse around single-use plastic bottles is not new in the region. As early as 2013, Concord, Massachusetts, pioneered in curbing the sale of bottled water below one liter, a model later adopted by over 20 towns within the state.
With Melissa Hoffer, a seasoned environmental advocate, assuming the role of Massachusetts’ first-ever climate chief earlier this year and a substantial federal grant application of $250 million for renewable energy ventures, the momentum towards a greener state is palpable.
Now, the spotlight is on Governor Murphy, as speculation burgeons on whether New Jersey will follow the pathway carved by Massachusetts. The ripple effects of such a policy could mark a significant stride in the broader climate change battle, aligning with the shared environmental visions of several state governors.