Future Of Climate Action Plan Discussed At Madison Council

MADISON, NJ — The Madison Council provided an update on the future goals of the Climate Action Plan during Monday night's Borough Council meeting.

Madison's Climate Plan, which has been praised by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, is the Borough's attempt to help mitigate the risks of climate change.

Councilwoman Rachel Ehrlich emphasized the importance of the plan, claiming that the effects of climate change are already visible, citing a week in which Madison experienced an intense heat wave followed by torrential rain, resulting in flooding across the state.

Ehrlich also mentioned the approaching first anniversary of Hurricane Ida, as well as the increased presence of ticks and mosquitoes. "Our region now endures 15 more days of tick and mosquito activities since 1980 due to longer periods of summer heat," Ehrlich said.

To assist in combating these issues Madison's Climate Action Committee met with the Council, according to Ehrlich, and is currently preparing a report with recommendations, goals and processes.

"The federal government is hamstrung on climate action, leaving climate mitigation to state and local government… President Joe Fiordaliso of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities commended Madison for taking the initiative to mitigate the worst risks of climate change," Ehrlich said.

The Madison climate committee has already proposed several ideas for the borough, such as shifting away from internal combustion engine vehicles for light duty non-emergency use, lifting the cap on solar panels atop government buildings, and others.

The committee intends to develop programs with increased financial viability through the Planning Board and Construction Department, as well as new high-efficiency heating and cooling systems in borough buildings to replace the current ones that use fossil fuels.

The committee believes that these changes will not only benefit the environment but will also save money and improve air quality in the long run.

The Climate Action Committee hopes to release its report in the fall, according to Ehrlich, but significant progress has already been made. "We are looking forward to presenting a report this fall that will provide a series of energy goals related to greenhouse gas reductions, electrification, enhanced resiliency, and processes that we recommend the Borough to undertake on an annual basis to measure progress towards meeting those goals," Ehrlich said.