We have formed a partnership with the Netherlands to develop economic incentives that have a positive impact on New Jersey's air quality. The Netherlands and New Jersey both have sizable coastal communities and significant industrial facilities that contribute to global warming. The agreement is a follow-up to a Letter of Intent signed by Shinn and the Netherlands' Environment Minister in June of 1998. The parties will establish a standing committee to develop the pilot project for greenhouse gas emissions trading. On Earth Day 1998, Commissioner Shinn announced plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey 3.5 percent below 1990 levels by 2005.
New Jersey is the first state to commit to a specific reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
New Jersey produces about 2 percent of the nation's greenhouse gases, or more than 129 million tons a year, predominantly from the burning of oil, coal, and other fuels for heating, cooling and motor vehicles. Shinn is vice chair of the Board of Directors for the Center for Clean Air Policy , an environmental think-tank based in Washington D.C. and the Czech Republic. He also co-chairs a climate change committee formed jointly by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Environmental Council of States .