MURPHY ADMINISTRATION OFFERS $30 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR NATURAL CLIMATE SOLUTIONS TO CUT CARBON EMISSIONS

TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has made $30 million available in grants to support local governments and nonprofits focused on restoring and protecting coastal wetlands, forests, and urban tree coverage. These projects aim to reduce carbon emissions through natural methods such as reforestation and shoreline restoration. This funding marks the second round for the Natural Climate Solutions program, pushing total investment to $54.3 million. The grants are intended to help New Jersey reach its goal of cutting greenhouse gases by 80 percent below 2006 levels by 2050. Applications open August 4 and will be accepted for one year on a first-come, first-served basis through the DEP’s website.  Grants will range from $250,000 to $5 million, covering projects lasting three to five years. Half of the funds are designated for coastal ecosystem projects, known as blue carbon, while the other half supports forest health improvements, called green carbon. The money comes from auction proceeds tied to New Jersey’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Projects supported include planting trees in urban areas, restoring tidal marshes, and improving forest management to boost carbon capture. Coastal wetlands play a critical role, sequestering more carbon per acre than forests. For more information and to apply, visit dep.nj.gov/climatechange/mitigation/ncs-grant/.