NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, along with Congressman Donald Norcross (D-N.J.-01) today announced the City of Camden was awarded $1,500,000 in federal funding from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to purchase new zero-emission and low-emission transit buses and to build the necessary recharging, refueling and maintenance facilities.
“These green buses are a smart step we can take to help modernize our public transportation system, ensure hassle-free travel for commuters and passengers throughout Camden, and make good on our commitment to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and expanding our reliance on clean energy,” said Sen. Menendez, the ranking Democrat on the Senate’s transit subcommittee. “Taking these diesel gas-guzzlers off the streets helps to reduce pollution, improve air quality and lower asthma rates in children and residents living in our urban centers.”
“This bus fleet will go a long way in providing Camden residents and commuters with better access to modern, efficient and environmentally friendly public transportation,” said Sen. Booker. “Investing in infrastructure that makes our communities healthier, commuters lives easier and our local economy work better is a win for New Jerseyans.”
“We’ve seen tremendous job growth in Camden, along with major improvements to city schools, parks and public safety – and now we’re bringing home federal resources to help create a modern, energy-efficient public transit system,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “These federal funds will lead to a cleaner, healthier environment for Camden’s families and commuters, and with so many new and existing attractions across the city, I encourage visitors from across the region to see firsthand how Camden is truly rising.”
Sen. Menendez is a vocal supporter of measures designed to address the growing climate change crisis. Earlier this month Sen. Menendez joined a bicameral letter slamming the Trump Administration’s plan to weaken federal clean car standards, which would result in an increase in air pollution, climate change impacts, and fuel costs that will disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color. He also recently expressed support for the 13 states, including New Jersey, and the District of Columbia that have adopted the strongest fuel economy standards in the nation, and pledged to oppose any efforts by the Trump administration to undermine those standards.
