The resolution highlights the Center’s multifaceted approach, including the utilization of advanced data techniques such as machine learning and data mining, along with collaborative robotics. The Center provides technical expertise and support in critical areas like smart systems, energy efficiency, energy security, and AI-based energy management. Its analytical methods and modeling tools have been lauded for providing accurate insights that aid in energy-based policymaking and help develop initiatives to meet clean energy goals.

According to the resolution, CESAC has “secured a sterling reputation for promoting clean energy research” through its work on climate analytics, grid resiliency, and natural resource conservation. The Center is also recognized for its role in fostering collaboration among stakeholders and for hosting educational programs and events, including its annual Clean and Sustainable Energy Summit and the Hydrogen Energy Workshop. These events serve as a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and academics to address pressing sustainable energy challenges. The legislative body’s resolution states that the strength of New Jersey and the vitality of American society depend on outstanding enterprises like CESAC, which “harness vast resources to improve the effectiveness of our communities and the quality of life for our friends and neighbors.”

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The Wind Institute Fellowship Program offers students at selected New Jersey public and private universities paid research fellowships to prepare them for careers in the offshore wind industry. Opportunities are available for undergraduate and graduate students.

In its first year, which began in October 2022, the Wind Institute Fellowship Program is supporting 26 student researchers across �鶹��ý����,��,�������Ի���.

The approval to expand the program will enable students that attend these four schools plus  and selected New Jersey private research universities to apply to their home institution for the Wind Institute Fellowship and receive up to $30,000 in academic years 2023-24 and 2024-25 for offshore wind research.

Yes, it’s getting too late with each passing day, but if we just say no, it will not make a difference. So if we don’t do anything, that is much worse than doing something. I always argue that not taking an action is basically adding to the problem rather than being part of the solution. It’s not like we have to solve the full problem… but we have to believe that if we take incremental steps, we can make collective change

So no, the plastic bag ban is not going to solve the issue of environmental pollution alone. But Lal said concerted efforts to address the problem, by governments and regular people, will go a long way toward improving things.

“New Jersey is ground zero in the battle to protect our planet,” said Bob Gordon, commissioner,��, in his keynote speech. He added that “the timing of this conference is significant,” as it followed on the heels of the worldwide student-led Climate Strike on September 20 and the U.N. Climate Action Summit on September 23 in New York.

“Since 1895, New Jersey’s average temperatures have risen about 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, double the average for the lower 48 states,” said Gordon. But while New Jersey is facing climate impacts more intensively that other states – due largely to its highly developed nature and its large coastal area – its vulnerabilities are also its strengths: For example, the state is seeking to harness its coastal winds and provide accessible and affordable renewable energy in densely populated areas.

“New Jersey is truly doing things that are historic,” said Gordon.

Following on the release of the draft,�� in June – which includes Gov. Phil Murphy’s stated goal of 100 percent clean energy for New Jersey by 2050 – the Clean and Sustainable Energy Summit addressed several aspects of this “road map to help usher the state into our clean energy future” with sessions on offshore wind, accessible and affordable solar energy, an improved and efficient power grid, data analysis and more.

One case in point: The 130 miles of New Jersey coastline are the nexus of plans to bring offshore wind to the state and build a supply chain of industries around it.

Kris Ohleth of , a Danish firm that is leading the development of an 1,100-megawatt wind farm 15 miles off the coast of Atlantic City, noted that a supply chain as well as reliable transmissions are important for companies like hers. She said that the Atlantic City wind farm project, which should be operational by 2024, is the largest offshore wind project ever in the U.S. and Ø�����ٱ��’s third largest in the world. “�ճ󲹳�’s a statement,” said Ohleth, “I’m from New Jersey. We like to make statements.”

Regarding workforce development, Brian Sabina, senior vice president of economic transformation for the , said that New Jersey is “starting from a position of strength” with 90,000 “wind adjacent” employees. Sabina said that that state is working to create training programs with partners such as �鶹��ý����. “We’re creating a suite of solutions arming industries with the right people needed to fuel these industries.”

With undergraduate and graduate degrees in Earth and Environmental Sciences – including a PhD program in Environmental Science and Management – �鶹��ý���� is well-positioned as a partner.

“�鶹��ý���� leads the way in engaging our community to find innovative solutions to our clean energy and sustainability challenges,” said Lora Billings, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. “We are committed to workforce development in the areas of sustainability, technology, environmental science and management, and more. Our faculty, students and partners are ready to take the transformative action needed to tackle society’s most complex and pressing environmental problems.”

�鶹��ý���� is, of course, further positioned to aid in New Jersey’s energy transformation with CESAC. Its director, Pankaj Lal, explained the value of the summit: “It’s not just presentations. We want discussion. We want collaboration. We want government and community partnerships. We can foster that. We provide that forum where different stakeholders come in and they talk honestly. You saw that in the sessions.”

CESAC also serves a unique role: “With sustainability you need modeling,” said Lal. “The state needs that kind of information to make informed decisions. We see ourselves as an energy and environmental modeler. And we pride ourselves on that. When you put numbers to it, when it’s science based, when it’s evidence based, then people pay attention.”