“Our Infrastructure Matters” is a news program highlighting important infrastructure projects and issues throughout the region. From roads and bridges to rails and tunnels. From the energy and communications grids to drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater.
Episode 6 Segments include:
Method to the Madness: Roads in NJ – 1:00
Training for Operating Engineers – 7:32
Rehabilitating our Roads – 9:31
New Jersey: Natural Gas’ Crucial Role – 15:17
The Power Behind the Switch – 22:47
See the schedule on News 12 +
http://news12.plus/new-jersey/
Additional Episodes:
https://tristateinfrastructurenews.com/infrastructure-matters/
Transcript:
1 01:01:01,124 --> 01:01:03,726 Whether you're crawling through traffic on the turnpike, 2 01:01:03,926 --> 01:01:06,496 breezing through a roundabout, or dodging 3 01:01:06,496 --> 01:01:09,165 orange cones during a midnight paving project 4 01:01:09,432 --> 01:01:12,135 New Jersey roads are anything but boring. 5 01:01:12,502 --> 01:01:14,270 But there's a method to the madness. 6 01:01:14,504 --> 01:01:17,573 In this video, we'll break down how our roads got here. 7 01:01:17,774 --> 01:01:18,841 Who builds them 8 01:01:18,841 --> 01:01:21,277 And why certain intersections get roundabouts 9 01:01:21,310 --> 01:01:22,912 while others get lights. 10 01:01:22,912 --> 01:01:25,281 And why so much of it happens at night. 11 01:01:25,682 --> 01:01:26,983 After World War Two, 12 01:01:26,983 --> 01:01:29,752 New Jersey was growing and fast. 13 01:01:30,153 --> 01:01:32,622 The traffic surge demanded new solutions. 14 01:01:32,955 --> 01:01:34,490 So in 1951, 15 01:01:34,490 --> 01:01:37,160 the state opened the New Jersey Turnpike, 16 01:01:37,460 --> 01:01:39,429 a straight shot, limited access 17 01:01:39,429 --> 01:01:41,264 toll road that spanned the state. 18 01:01:41,497 --> 01:01:44,133 It quickly became a vital artery for goods, 19 01:01:44,133 --> 01:01:46,436 commuters, and cross-country travelers. 20 01:01:46,836 --> 01:01:48,137 Hot on its heels was 21 01:01:48,137 --> 01:01:49,839 the Garden State Parkway, 22 01:01:49,872 --> 01:01:51,774 built to serve not just workers 23 01:01:51,974 --> 01:01:54,277 but beach-bound vacationers. 24 01:01:54,277 --> 01:01:56,779 Scenic, tree-lined and more suburban, 25 01:01:57,013 --> 01:01:58,614 it was designed for a different 26 01:01:58,614 --> 01:02:00,283 kind of travel experience. 27 01:02:00,683 --> 01:02:02,485 Together, these two roads 28 01:02:02,485 --> 01:02:05,021 transformed New Jersey into a commuter state 29 01:02:05,488 --> 01:02:07,824 and reshaped development around them. 30 01:02:08,491 --> 01:02:10,026 In 1956, 31 01:02:10,026 --> 01:02:11,728 President Eisenhower signed 32 01:02:11,728 --> 01:02:13,563 the Federal Aid Highway Act, 33 01:02:13,863 --> 01:02:15,898 launching the Interstate Highway System. 34 01:02:16,232 --> 01:02:18,401 New Jersey became a crucial hub. 35 01:02:18,401 --> 01:02:19,635 I-95, 36 01:02:19,836 --> 01:02:21,904 I-80, I-78, 37 01:02:22,138 --> 01:02:24,841 I-287 and more connected 38 01:02:24,841 --> 01:02:27,844 the State to New York, Philadelphia, and beyond. 39 01:02:28,478 --> 01:02:30,880 These roads created economic opportunity 40 01:02:31,047 --> 01:02:33,883 and gave many the chance at the American Dream. 41 01:02:34,383 --> 01:02:37,320 But they also sparked decades of suburban sprawl, 42 01:02:37,386 --> 01:02:40,022 congestion and environmental strain. 43 01:02:40,523 --> 01:02:42,859 They made New Jersey one of the most heavily 44 01:02:42,859 --> 01:02:44,694 trafficked and densely paved 45 01:02:44,694 --> 01:02:46,395 states in the U.S. 46 01:02:46,696 --> 01:02:49,165 Traffic lights are everywhere in New Jersey. 47 01:02:49,532 --> 01:02:52,869 Over 6000 signalized intersections control 48 01:02:52,869 --> 01:02:54,537 our busiest roads. 49 01:02:54,537 --> 01:02:57,373 They help manage turning movements, pedestrian 50 01:02:57,373 --> 01:03:00,042 crossings, and high volumes of vehicles. 51 01:03:00,376 --> 01:03:02,512 They're customizable and programable, 52 01:03:02,712 --> 01:03:04,514 but they're not always efficient. 53 01:03:04,881 --> 01:03:07,016 Long red lights cause delays, 54 01:03:07,250 --> 01:03:08,951 and when drivers lose patience, 55 01:03:09,085 --> 01:03:10,787 crash risks go up, 56 01:03:11,120 --> 01:03:13,956 especially with left turns and red light running. 57 01:03:14,357 --> 01:03:17,393 That's why newer, safer alternatives are growing 58 01:03:17,393 --> 01:03:18,895 in popularity. 59 01:03:18,895 --> 01:03:20,797 Enter the modern roundabout, 60 01:03:21,297 --> 01:03:22,799 a circular intersection 61 01:03:22,799 --> 01:03:24,467 where traffic keeps moving. 62 01:03:24,734 --> 01:03:26,569 Vehicles yield as they enter 63 01:03:26,569 --> 01:03:28,237 and travel counterclockwise. 64 01:03:28,571 --> 01:03:31,774 Unlike older traffic circles, modern roundabouts 65 01:03:31,774 --> 01:03:34,544 are designed for low speeds, and high safety 66 01:03:34,877 --> 01:03:35,978 roundabouts reduce 67 01:03:35,978 --> 01:03:38,447 injury crashes by up to 80%. 68 01:03:38,881 --> 01:03:40,583 They also improve traffic flow, 69 01:03:40,883 --> 01:03:42,718 eliminate the need for electricity, 70 01:03:42,919 --> 01:03:45,822 and are less costly to maintain over time. 71 01:03:46,122 --> 01:03:48,991 New Jersey has been quietly adding them to suburban 72 01:03:49,158 --> 01:03:50,893 and even rural areas. 73 01:03:51,327 --> 01:03:52,328 A road diet 74 01:03:52,328 --> 01:03:54,063 might sound like cutting back, 75 01:03:54,130 --> 01:03:56,265 but it's actually about redesign. 76 01:03:56,632 --> 01:03:59,602 A typical road diet reduces a four lane road 77 01:03:59,602 --> 01:04:02,672 to two travel lanes, adds a center turn lane, 78 01:04:02,905 --> 01:04:05,675 and introduces bike or pedestrian features. 79 01:04:06,175 --> 01:04:09,178 It works best where traffic volumes don't justify 80 01:04:09,178 --> 01:04:11,013 four lanes and where speeding 81 01:04:11,013 --> 01:04:12,748 or crashes are a concern. 82 01:04:13,082 --> 01:04:14,650 Cities like Montclair, 83 01:04:14,650 --> 01:04:16,619 Hoboken and Asbury Park 84 01:04:16,652 --> 01:04:19,522 have adopted road diets to make streets calmer 85 01:04:19,755 --> 01:04:21,657 and more usable for everyone, 86 01:04:21,991 --> 01:04:23,693 not just drivers. 87 01:04:24,026 --> 01:04:25,194 While the road designs 88 01:04:25,194 --> 01:04:26,963 may come from traffic engineers, 89 01:04:27,163 --> 01:04:30,333 the hard work of building and maintaining them falls 90 01:04:30,333 --> 01:04:33,936 to people on the ground, especially operating engineers. 91 01:04:34,303 --> 01:04:37,139 These skilled union workers operate the machinery 92 01:04:37,139 --> 01:04:40,176 that lays asphalt, digs trenches and builds 93 01:04:40,176 --> 01:04:42,445 the physical infrastructure we drive on. 94 01:04:42,845 --> 01:04:44,480 It's complex work. 95 01:04:44,480 --> 01:04:46,849 The most densely populated State in the country 96 01:04:47,016 --> 01:04:50,052 has a century and more of underground water, 97 01:04:50,052 --> 01:04:53,122 sewer and natural gas pipelines to deal with, 98 01:04:53,356 --> 01:04:56,459 along with buried electrical cables and myriad 99 01:04:56,459 --> 01:04:58,194 environmental and land use 100 01:04:58,194 --> 01:04:59,896 regulations to deal with. 101 01:04:59,996 --> 01:05:01,664 A simple error can delay 102 01:05:01,664 --> 01:05:03,332 a project by months. 103 01:05:03,399 --> 01:05:05,501 Road paving is often done in the summer 104 01:05:05,635 --> 01:05:08,838 when warm temperatures help asphalt bind properly. 105 01:05:09,071 --> 01:05:10,573 Cold weather can crack or 106 01:05:10,573 --> 01:05:12,308 crumble pavement quickly, 107 01:05:12,375 --> 01:05:14,143 and it often happens at night 108 01:05:14,343 --> 01:05:16,078 to reduce traffic disruptions 109 01:05:16,212 --> 01:05:17,914 and improve worker safety. 110 01:05:18,414 --> 01:05:19,849 Night paving reduces 111 01:05:19,849 --> 01:05:21,517 the impact on commuters, 112 01:05:21,651 --> 01:05:23,986 businesses, and emergency services, 113 01:05:24,320 --> 01:05:26,255 but it's also about safety 114 01:05:26,555 --> 01:05:28,591 for workers and for drivers. 115 01:05:28,891 --> 01:05:30,726 Lower traffic volumes at night 116 01:05:30,760 --> 01:05:32,495 mean fewer close calls. 117 01:05:32,862 --> 01:05:35,665 Crews can close more lanes, work faster 118 01:05:35,932 --> 01:05:37,566 and reduce their risk. 119 01:05:37,566 --> 01:05:40,036 Working at night requires additional generators 120 01:05:40,036 --> 01:05:41,771 to power large lighting systems 121 01:05:42,038 --> 01:05:44,407 and additional safety precautions to keep work. 122 01:05:44,407 --> 01:05:46,108 Crews and travelers safe. 123 01:05:46,676 --> 01:05:48,577 Still, it's dangerous work. 124 01:05:49,011 --> 01:05:50,680 Crews wear reflective gear, 125 01:05:50,846 --> 01:05:52,548 use flaggers and cones, 126 01:05:52,748 --> 01:05:55,284 and operate under strict safety protocols. 127 01:05:55,751 --> 01:05:58,854 In 2023 alone, over 800 work 128 01:05:58,854 --> 01:06:01,290 zone crashes were reported in new Jersey. 129 01:06:01,757 --> 01:06:03,025 Slowing down in work 130 01:06:03,025 --> 01:06:04,727 zones isn't just a courtesy; 131 01:06:05,127 --> 01:06:06,862 it saves lives. 132 01:06:07,263 --> 01:06:09,632 So why does one town get a roundabout 133 01:06:09,732 --> 01:06:11,434 and another a traffic signal? 134 01:06:11,634 --> 01:06:13,369 It comes down to data 135 01:06:13,369 --> 01:06:16,138 engineers look at traffic counts, crash records, 136 01:06:16,305 --> 01:06:18,641 pedestrian usage, and local input. 137 01:06:19,108 --> 01:06:20,943 Every solution is customized, 138 01:06:21,410 --> 01:06:23,746 and that's part of what makes New Jersey unique; 139 01:06:24,246 --> 01:06:26,315 there's no one size fits all. 140 01:06:26,315 --> 01:06:28,384 Urban, suburban, coastal, 141 01:06:28,384 --> 01:06:30,987 and rural communities all have different needs. 142 01:06:31,387 --> 01:06:33,155 A smart road network adapts 143 01:06:33,155 --> 01:06:34,890 to serve all of them. 144 01:06:35,091 --> 01:06:37,626 But why are they always working on the roads? 145 01:06:37,927 --> 01:06:39,128 Asphalt typically 146 01:06:39,128 --> 01:06:41,063 lasts 10 to 15 years 147 01:06:41,230 --> 01:06:44,100 before requiring resurfacing or repaving. 148 01:06:44,467 --> 01:06:47,236 The life span is shortened due to traffic volume, 149 01:06:47,470 --> 01:06:49,505 winter freeze and thaw cycles, 150 01:06:49,805 --> 01:06:51,307 and heavy truckloads. 151 01:06:51,307 --> 01:06:53,242 In other words, New Jersey. 152 01:06:53,576 --> 01:06:55,277 And just like a sore tooth, 153 01:06:55,277 --> 01:06:57,947 postponing or delaying maintenance only makes 154 01:06:57,947 --> 01:07:00,916 things more expensive and painful. 155 01:07:01,283 --> 01:07:02,118 New Jersey is 156 01:07:02,118 --> 01:07:05,421 investing in complete streets, smart traffic systems 157 01:07:05,421 --> 01:07:07,189 and multi modal courtrooms 158 01:07:07,356 --> 01:07:09,091 that support walking, biking, 159 01:07:09,291 --> 01:07:11,494 public transit and electric vehicles. 160 01:07:11,861 --> 01:07:14,530 With infrastructure funding and new technology, 161 01:07:14,764 --> 01:07:17,433 the State is rethinking what roads should look like 162 01:07:17,533 --> 01:07:19,268 in the 21st century. 163 01:07:19,301 --> 01:07:21,003 So next time you're on the parkway, 164 01:07:21,137 --> 01:07:22,638 looping through a roundabout 165 01:07:22,638 --> 01:07:24,440 or waiting behind a paving crew, 166 01:07:24,640 --> 01:07:27,209 remember there's planning, history 167 01:07:27,209 --> 01:07:30,513 and hard work behind every inch of asphalt. 168 01:07:33,783 --> 01:07:34,817 Bulldozers, 169 01:07:34,817 --> 01:07:36,619 excavators and cranes. 170 01:07:37,053 --> 01:07:38,654 Heavy machinery covers 171 01:07:38,654 --> 01:07:41,624 the lot of the Operating Engineers training center. 172 01:07:41,857 --> 01:07:45,127 Local 825, in Dayton, New Jersey. 173 01:07:45,261 --> 01:07:47,063 It's where 7800 174 01:07:47,063 --> 01:07:50,466 union members across New Jersey and lower New York 175 01:07:50,733 --> 01:07:53,369 train before building local infrastructure. 176 01:07:53,602 --> 01:07:55,371 We have everything, almost soup to nuts 177 01:07:55,371 --> 01:07:57,339 that you would see in the construction industry. 178 01:07:57,339 --> 01:07:58,841 We teach everything here. 179 01:07:58,841 --> 01:08:02,445 Greg Lullaby, a second generation crane operator, 180 01:08:02,611 --> 01:08:05,481 now oversees the training center's operations. 181 01:08:05,514 --> 01:08:07,550 We invest in training every year 182 01:08:07,550 --> 01:08:09,652 because what we do is so, so critical. 183 01:08:09,752 --> 01:08:11,720 Before operating heavy equipment, 184 01:08:11,720 --> 01:08:13,456 pull it back to you nice and easy. 185 01:08:13,456 --> 01:08:15,057 The trainees start here. 186 01:08:15,057 --> 01:08:17,860 We start them out at certain, like, basic skills. 187 01:08:17,860 --> 01:08:20,296 It looks like a gaming arcade. 188 01:08:20,463 --> 01:08:22,465 This gentleman here is working on an excavator. 189 01:08:22,531 --> 01:08:24,300 The exercise that he's doing 190 01:08:24,300 --> 01:08:26,802 is is loading trucks and cycle times 191 01:08:26,836 --> 01:08:30,372 using state of the art virtual reality simulators. 192 01:08:30,406 --> 01:08:32,108 Training is key. 193 01:08:32,108 --> 01:08:35,144 Different weather, different lighting, snow. 194 01:08:35,511 --> 01:08:37,880 When training at the center is free 195 01:08:37,880 --> 01:08:40,216 to a limited number of students chosen. 196 01:08:40,382 --> 01:08:41,984 It's competitive too. 197 01:08:41,984 --> 01:08:44,920 Costs are covered by a union members fund. 198 01:08:44,954 --> 01:08:49,492 We have about 170 students now and then we retrain. 199 01:08:49,525 --> 01:08:51,327 A big component of what we do 200 01:08:51,393 --> 01:08:54,130 is taking somebody like myself, who may have been around 201 01:08:54,163 --> 01:08:56,565 40 years, but the technology changed. 202 01:08:56,732 --> 01:08:58,434 All students, both men 203 01:08:58,434 --> 01:09:01,137 and women, have to undergo OSHA safety 204 01:09:01,137 --> 01:09:03,973 training and get familiar with the heavy equipment. 205 01:09:04,140 --> 01:09:06,342 We'd have two people standing on the ground right there. 206 01:09:06,542 --> 01:09:07,376 You're the pitcher, 207 01:09:07,376 --> 01:09:09,178 and they're standing where they want the ball to go. 208 01:09:09,211 --> 01:09:12,081 They told me practicing on the simulator gives them 209 01:09:12,081 --> 01:09:14,583 the confidence they need on the heavy hitters. 210 01:09:14,617 --> 01:09:17,153 This one just has different variations to it. 211 01:09:17,153 --> 01:09:18,521 With cranes and drills. 212 01:09:18,521 --> 01:09:21,223 These future operators are in high demand, 213 01:09:21,223 --> 01:09:23,392 with major construction ramping up. 214 01:09:23,492 --> 01:09:25,494 Local 825 is bridging 215 01:09:25,494 --> 01:09:28,864 tradition and technology for a brighter future. 216 01:09:28,898 --> 01:09:31,100 Roxann Evans, news 12. 217 01:09:32,801 --> 01:09:33,469 Every day, 218 01:09:33,469 --> 01:09:34,970 over 9 million people 219 01:09:34,970 --> 01:09:36,705 rely on New Jersey's vast 220 01:09:36,705 --> 01:09:37,740 system of roads 221 01:09:37,740 --> 01:09:38,407 and bridges 222 01:09:38,407 --> 01:09:39,508 to get to work, 223 01:09:39,508 --> 01:09:40,643 get to school, 224 01:09:40,643 --> 01:09:41,577 get to lunch, 225 01:09:41,577 --> 01:09:42,545 and appreciate 226 01:09:42,545 --> 01:09:43,812 the Garden State. 227 01:09:43,812 --> 01:09:45,214 But behind each trip, 228 01:09:45,214 --> 01:09:46,715 there is a deeper story 229 01:09:46,882 --> 01:09:48,684 about aging infrastructure, 230 01:09:48,684 --> 01:09:50,152 skilled labor, 231 01:09:50,152 --> 01:09:51,153 and the power of 232 01:09:51,153 --> 01:09:52,655 smart investment. 233 01:09:52,988 --> 01:09:54,089 By all metrics, 234 01:09:54,089 --> 01:09:54,823 New Jersey 235 01:09:54,823 --> 01:09:55,858 is the most densely 236 01:09:55,858 --> 01:09:56,992 populated State 237 01:09:56,992 --> 01:09:58,160 in the country. 238 01:09:58,160 --> 01:09:58,928 But did you know that 239 01:09:58,928 --> 01:10:00,162 the State's population 240 01:10:00,162 --> 01:10:02,031 has doubled since 1950? 241 01:10:02,364 --> 01:10:03,098 Or that the number 242 01:10:03,098 --> 01:10:04,433 of registered vehicles 243 01:10:04,433 --> 01:10:05,334 on New Jersey's 244 01:10:05,334 --> 01:10:06,702 roads has doubled 245 01:10:06,702 --> 01:10:08,204 since 1961? 246 01:10:08,537 --> 01:10:09,004 Or that 247 01:10:09,004 --> 01:10:10,039 the average bridge 248 01:10:10,039 --> 01:10:10,873 in New Jersey 249 01:10:10,873 --> 01:10:13,509 is a 57-year-old gen-xer? 250 01:10:14,043 --> 01:10:15,177 Across the State, 251 01:10:15,177 --> 01:10:16,545 roads and bridges 252 01:10:16,545 --> 01:10:17,947 are deteriorating. 253 01:10:17,947 --> 01:10:19,548 There are over 80,000 254 01:10:19,548 --> 01:10:20,916 lane miles of roads 255 01:10:20,916 --> 01:10:21,884 in the State. 256 01:10:21,884 --> 01:10:22,618 Over a third 257 01:10:22,618 --> 01:10:23,385 of New Jersey's 258 01:10:23,385 --> 01:10:24,053 roads are in 259 01:10:24,053 --> 01:10:25,254 poor condition, 260 01:10:25,254 --> 01:10:26,589 and hundreds of bridges 261 01:10:26,589 --> 01:10:28,290 are nearing or exceeding 262 01:10:28,290 --> 01:10:29,792 their intended lifespan. 263 01:10:30,125 --> 01:10:31,927 This affects everyone, 264 01:10:31,927 --> 01:10:33,095 causing delays, 265 01:10:33,095 --> 01:10:34,597 increasing costs 266 01:10:34,597 --> 01:10:36,098 and putting public safety 267 01:10:36,298 --> 01:10:37,766 at risk. 268 01:10:37,766 --> 01:10:39,068 Fixing infrastructure 269 01:10:39,068 --> 01:10:40,569 before things get worse 270 01:10:40,569 --> 01:10:42,071 takes more than plans. 271 01:10:42,404 --> 01:10:43,472 It takes skilled 272 01:10:43,472 --> 01:10:44,974 and dedicated people 273 01:10:45,274 --> 01:10:46,475 operating engineers 274 01:10:46,475 --> 01:10:47,876 of Local 825 275 01:10:47,876 --> 01:10:49,445 run the heavy machinery 276 01:10:49,445 --> 01:10:50,212 that powers 277 01:10:50,212 --> 01:10:51,647 every major project 278 01:10:51,647 --> 01:10:53,148 across New Jersey. 279 01:10:53,415 --> 01:10:54,116 Through union 280 01:10:54,116 --> 01:10:54,984 apprenticeships 281 01:10:54,984 --> 01:10:56,452 and rigorous training, 282 01:10:56,452 --> 01:10:57,553 they ensure every 283 01:10:57,553 --> 01:10:59,054 job is done safely 284 01:10:59,088 --> 01:11:00,656 and right the first time. 285 01:11:01,490 --> 01:11:02,725 They are the workforce 286 01:11:02,725 --> 01:11:04,226 rebuilding New Jersey 287 01:11:04,560 --> 01:11:06,061 project by project 288 01:11:06,228 --> 01:11:07,730 lane by lane, 289 01:11:07,830 --> 01:11:09,131 often working at night 290 01:11:09,131 --> 01:11:10,666 to minimize the impact 291 01:11:10,666 --> 01:11:12,167 on traffic. 292 01:11:12,234 --> 01:11:13,302 Municipalities 293 01:11:13,302 --> 01:11:14,136 are responsible 294 01:11:14,136 --> 01:11:15,738 for over two thirds of roads 295 01:11:15,738 --> 01:11:16,605 in the State, 296 01:11:16,605 --> 01:11:17,640 and they rely upon 297 01:11:17,640 --> 01:11:19,141 a mix of federal, state 298 01:11:19,241 --> 01:11:20,576 and local funding to 299 01:11:20,576 --> 01:11:22,077 maintain their roads. 300 01:11:22,411 --> 01:11:23,312 There's a chronic 301 01:11:23,312 --> 01:11:24,813 shortfall of funds, 302 01:11:25,147 --> 01:11:26,649 but in 2021, 303 01:11:26,649 --> 01:11:27,816 the federal government 304 01:11:27,816 --> 01:11:29,251 passed the Infrastructure 305 01:11:29,251 --> 01:11:30,953 Investment and Jobs Act, 306 01:11:31,253 --> 01:11:32,588 unlocking billions 307 01:11:32,588 --> 01:11:33,355 for overdue 308 01:11:33,355 --> 01:11:34,923 infrastructure upgrades. 309 01:11:35,457 --> 01:11:36,859 New Jersey is receiving 310 01:11:36,859 --> 01:11:38,761 more than $12 billion 311 01:11:38,761 --> 01:11:39,795 over five years 312 01:11:39,795 --> 01:11:40,763 to modernize 313 01:11:40,763 --> 01:11:42,264 transportation systems 314 01:11:42,331 --> 01:11:43,832 and improve safety. 315 01:11:44,300 --> 01:11:45,200 One of the largest 316 01:11:45,200 --> 01:11:46,769 projects is the Newark 317 01:11:46,769 --> 01:11:48,270 Bay Bridge Replacement, 318 01:11:48,437 --> 01:11:49,438 part of the New Jersey 319 01:11:49,438 --> 01:11:51,140 Turnpike rehabilitation 320 01:11:51,340 --> 01:11:53,142 near Newark and the ports 321 01:11:53,142 --> 01:11:54,043 where congestion 322 01:11:54,043 --> 01:11:55,444 has grown dangerously 323 01:11:55,444 --> 01:11:56,845 out of control. 324 01:11:56,845 --> 01:11:58,113 The Newark Bay Bridge 325 01:11:58,113 --> 01:11:59,348 is similar in design 326 01:11:59,348 --> 01:12:00,482 to the Francis Scott 327 01:12:00,482 --> 01:12:01,183 Key Bridge in 328 01:12:01,183 --> 01:12:02,451 Baltimore Harbor 329 01:12:02,451 --> 01:12:04,453 that collapsed in 2024 330 01:12:04,720 --> 01:12:07,189 but older, longer and carries 331 01:12:07,189 --> 01:12:08,691 more daily traffic. 332 01:12:09,058 --> 01:12:10,359 The Turnpike Authority, 333 01:12:10,359 --> 01:12:11,894 is investing over $10 334 01:12:11,894 --> 01:12:13,729 billion to widen lanes, 335 01:12:14,029 --> 01:12:15,531 improve traffic flow 336 01:12:15,631 --> 01:12:16,231 and support 337 01:12:16,231 --> 01:12:17,166 freight movement 338 01:12:17,166 --> 01:12:18,334 in one of the busiest 339 01:12:18,334 --> 01:12:19,735 industrial corridors 340 01:12:19,735 --> 01:12:21,036 on the East Coast. 341 01:12:21,036 --> 01:12:22,738 And the Infrastructure Investment 342 01:12:22,738 --> 01:12:23,706 and Jobs Act 343 01:12:23,706 --> 01:12:24,907 is funding projects 344 01:12:24,907 --> 01:12:26,408 throughout the State. 345 01:12:26,475 --> 01:12:27,876 These big infrastructure 346 01:12:27,876 --> 01:12:29,545 projects are challenging, 347 01:12:29,712 --> 01:12:30,746 but worth it. 348 01:12:30,746 --> 01:12:32,481 Expansion projects have proved 349 01:12:32,481 --> 01:12:33,549 greatly beneficial 350 01:12:33,549 --> 01:12:35,351 to New Jersey historically. 351 01:12:35,684 --> 01:12:36,719 Take, for example, 352 01:12:36,719 --> 01:12:38,253 the widening between exit 353 01:12:38,253 --> 01:12:39,755 six and exit nine. 354 01:12:40,222 --> 01:12:41,490 Once considered the most 355 01:12:41,490 --> 01:12:42,324 deadly road 356 01:12:42,324 --> 01:12:43,826 corridor in New Jersey, 357 01:12:44,193 --> 01:12:45,394 it now is a major 358 01:12:45,394 --> 01:12:46,562 economic driver 359 01:12:46,562 --> 01:12:47,563 for e-commerce 360 01:12:47,563 --> 01:12:49,231 and logistic headquarters. 361 01:12:49,431 --> 01:12:50,666 Now, businesses 362 01:12:50,666 --> 01:12:51,734 have access to nearly 363 01:12:51,734 --> 01:12:53,435 61 million people 364 01:12:53,569 --> 01:12:54,336 living within 365 01:12:54,336 --> 01:12:55,704 250 miles 366 01:12:55,704 --> 01:12:56,839 of this corridor, 367 01:12:56,839 --> 01:12:58,107 and traffic on even the 368 01:12:58,107 --> 01:12:59,708 busiest summer weekends - 369 01:13:00,042 --> 01:13:00,676 gone. 370 01:13:01,276 --> 01:13:03,379 Skilled union labor ensures 371 01:13:03,379 --> 01:13:04,847 these multi-billion-dollar 372 01:13:04,847 --> 01:13:07,182 projects are built to last. 373 01:13:07,416 --> 01:13:09,918 Local 825 operating engineers 374 01:13:09,918 --> 01:13:11,220 bring experience, 375 01:13:11,220 --> 01:13:12,254 accountability 376 01:13:12,254 --> 01:13:13,055 and training 377 01:13:13,055 --> 01:13:14,556 to every site. 378 01:13:14,590 --> 01:13:15,424 These careers 379 01:13:15,424 --> 01:13:16,925 offer strong wages, 380 01:13:16,925 --> 01:13:18,193 safety protections 381 01:13:18,193 --> 01:13:19,728 and benefits, building 382 01:13:19,728 --> 01:13:21,230 not just infrastructure 383 01:13:21,363 --> 01:13:22,865 but the middle class. 384 01:13:22,965 --> 01:13:24,233 Modern infrastructure 385 01:13:24,233 --> 01:13:25,100 touches every 386 01:13:25,100 --> 01:13:26,568 part of our lives; 387 01:13:26,568 --> 01:13:27,436 schools, 388 01:13:27,436 --> 01:13:28,303 hospitals, 389 01:13:28,303 --> 01:13:29,271 ports, 390 01:13:29,271 --> 01:13:30,072 homes. 391 01:13:30,372 --> 01:13:31,774 The turnpike expansion 392 01:13:31,774 --> 01:13:32,374 will reduce 393 01:13:32,374 --> 01:13:33,876 congestion and emissions, 394 01:13:34,243 --> 01:13:35,811 helping goods and people 395 01:13:35,944 --> 01:13:37,446 move more efficiently. 396 01:13:37,980 --> 01:13:39,748 The new Newark Bay Bridge 397 01:13:39,782 --> 01:13:41,283 will support the economy 398 01:13:41,417 --> 01:13:42,818 and ensure safety 399 01:13:42,818 --> 01:13:44,319 for decades to come. 400 01:13:44,820 --> 01:13:45,988 And plans to widen 401 01:13:45,988 --> 01:13:46,755 the turnpike 402 01:13:46,755 --> 01:13:47,723 in South Jersey 403 01:13:47,723 --> 01:13:49,258 from exits 1 to 4 404 01:13:49,458 --> 01:13:50,793 will address a major 405 01:13:50,793 --> 01:13:52,294 traffic bottleneck. 406 01:13:52,628 --> 01:13:54,329 Every inch of progress, 407 01:13:54,329 --> 01:13:55,931 every commute shortened. 408 01:13:56,298 --> 01:13:57,132 Every safe 409 01:13:57,132 --> 01:13:57,966 mile of road 410 01:13:57,966 --> 01:13:58,934 is being built 411 01:13:58,934 --> 01:13:59,668 by the hands 412 01:13:59,668 --> 01:14:01,403 of skilled union workers 413 01:14:01,737 --> 01:14:03,105 trained to protect the 414 01:14:03,105 --> 01:14:04,940 public and the future. 415 01:14:06,642 --> 01:14:07,910 When union labor and 416 01:14:07,910 --> 01:14:11,146 contractors come together for one common goal, 417 01:14:11,313 --> 01:14:13,148 anything can be accomplished 418 01:14:13,148 --> 01:14:13,849 ELEC 419 01:14:13,849 --> 01:14:15,150 The Engineers Labor 420 01:14:15,150 --> 01:14:16,585 Employer Cooperative. 421 01:14:16,585 --> 01:14:19,488 We are the labor management fund for the International 422 01:14:19,488 --> 01:14:22,891 Union of Operating Engineers, Local 825. 423 01:14:23,025 --> 01:14:26,195 From Kingston to Cape May and from river to river, 424 01:14:26,395 --> 01:14:28,096 we're creating the opportunities 425 01:14:28,096 --> 01:14:30,566 that spawn real economic development 426 01:14:30,666 --> 01:14:32,167 and building the future. 427 01:14:32,167 --> 01:14:35,170 As members of the business community and Chamber 428 01:14:35,237 --> 01:14:36,004 of Commerce. 429 01:14:36,004 --> 01:14:38,841 We create the partnerships needed to collaborate 430 01:14:38,841 --> 01:14:39,675 success. 431 01:14:39,675 --> 01:14:42,744 As advocates, we shape the public policy 432 01:14:42,744 --> 01:14:45,013 in local town halls and statehouses 433 01:14:45,013 --> 01:14:48,050 that protect our members and generate possibilities. 434 01:14:48,116 --> 01:14:50,085 We eliminate entry barriers 435 01:14:50,118 --> 01:14:52,421 that ensures our members are ready on day 436 01:14:52,421 --> 01:14:55,624 one for whatever work our contractors require. 437 01:14:55,791 --> 01:14:58,527 And as industry innovators, we develop, 438 01:14:58,527 --> 01:15:00,896 grant programs to help our contractors 439 01:15:00,896 --> 01:15:03,765 compete in underrepresented market sectors. 440 01:15:03,966 --> 01:15:05,767 This is what the 21st century 441 01:15:05,767 --> 01:15:07,569 organized labor looks like. 442 01:15:07,669 --> 01:15:09,872 This is ELEC, building 443 01:15:09,872 --> 01:15:11,740 the infrastructure New York 444 01:15:11,740 --> 01:15:13,609 and Jersey relies on. 445 01:15:17,646 --> 01:15:20,649 New Jersey, 9.8 million people 446 01:15:20,649 --> 01:15:23,252 packed into 8,700 square miles 447 01:15:23,452 --> 01:15:26,321 relies on a vital yet often overlooked resource 448 01:15:26,321 --> 01:15:29,091 to power homes, businesses and industries. 449 01:15:29,525 --> 01:15:31,193 Natural gas. 450 01:15:31,193 --> 01:15:34,196 Natural gas plays a crucial role in the Garden State's energy 451 01:15:34,196 --> 01:15:37,399 mix, providing about 50% of the state's electricity 452 01:15:37,566 --> 01:15:40,202 and serving millions of households and businesses. 453 01:15:40,669 --> 01:15:43,005 Natural gas is used for cooking and heating 454 01:15:43,005 --> 01:15:45,507 in more than 70% of the homes in our state. 455 01:15:45,974 --> 01:15:48,944 It's no exaggeration to say that New Jersey's economy 456 01:15:48,944 --> 01:15:51,980 and quality of life are all built on natural 457 01:15:51,980 --> 01:15:53,682 gas infrastructure. 458 01:15:53,782 --> 01:15:56,618 The journey of natural gas begins deep beneath the Earth's 459 01:15:56,618 --> 01:15:58,520 surface, where it is extracted 460 01:15:58,520 --> 01:16:00,222 from natural gas wells. 461 01:16:00,289 --> 01:16:03,725 Once extracted, it's processed to remove impurities 462 01:16:03,725 --> 01:16:06,461 and transported through an intricate network of pipelines 463 01:16:06,595 --> 01:16:08,163 to ensure its safe delivery 464 01:16:08,163 --> 01:16:09,865 to homes and businesses. 465 01:16:09,998 --> 01:16:12,434 Natural gas can also be moved by tanker truck, 466 01:16:12,668 --> 01:16:15,270 railcar or on water by barge. 467 01:16:15,637 --> 01:16:17,339 While these methods are productive, 468 01:16:17,472 --> 01:16:19,408 they are not as safe or efficient 469 01:16:19,408 --> 01:16:21,109 as using a pipeline. 470 01:16:21,243 --> 01:16:23,111 New Jersey is connected to a vast 471 01:16:23,111 --> 01:16:24,947 network of natural gas pipelines 472 01:16:25,047 --> 01:16:26,949 with key interstate pipelines 473 01:16:26,949 --> 01:16:28,650 such as the Transco pipeline, 474 01:16:28,917 --> 01:16:32,120 the Tetco pipeline, and the Columbia Gas Pipeline. 475 01:16:32,521 --> 01:16:34,856 These pipelines link the state to larger 476 01:16:34,856 --> 01:16:37,192 natural gas reserves across the country. 477 01:16:37,659 --> 01:16:40,195 Underground pipelines are one of the safest ways 478 01:16:40,195 --> 01:16:43,131 of delivering energy protected from storms and weather. 479 01:16:43,332 --> 01:16:45,901 Rail derailments and vehicle accidents. 480 01:16:46,401 --> 01:16:49,471 Pipelines run silently and safely through neighborhoods, 481 01:16:49,471 --> 01:16:50,505 state parks, 482 01:16:50,505 --> 01:16:52,207 wildlife management areas, 483 01:16:52,407 --> 01:16:54,142 and all the way to your home. 484 01:16:54,810 --> 01:16:57,079 Maintaining the safety and reliability 485 01:16:57,079 --> 01:16:59,047 of this infrastructure is essential. 486 01:16:59,414 --> 01:17:01,917 Engineers and technicians are constantly working 487 01:17:01,917 --> 01:17:03,652 to inspect, maintain 488 01:17:03,652 --> 01:17:05,354 and upgrade pipelines. 489 01:17:05,354 --> 01:17:08,156 With billions invested in maintenance and safety. 490 01:17:08,357 --> 01:17:10,892 The state's natural gas network continues to meet 491 01:17:10,892 --> 01:17:12,794 the high demands of New Jersey’s 492 01:17:12,828 --> 01:17:14,496 growing population. 493 01:17:14,496 --> 01:17:17,699 In fact, utilities are investing millions of dollars 494 01:17:17,699 --> 01:17:19,768 each year in advanced technologies 495 01:17:19,968 --> 01:17:22,037 that help monitor pipeline integrity. 496 01:17:22,371 --> 01:17:25,107 These investments ensure that systems are maintained 497 01:17:25,107 --> 01:17:26,808 to the highest safety standards 498 01:17:26,975 --> 01:17:29,444 and reduce the risk of leaks or disruptions 499 01:17:29,911 --> 01:17:31,513 to ensure natural gas flows 500 01:17:31,513 --> 01:17:33,215 smoothly over long distances. 501 01:17:33,448 --> 01:17:35,617 Compressor stations are strategically 502 01:17:35,617 --> 01:17:37,219 placed along pipelines. 503 01:17:37,219 --> 01:17:39,121 These stations help maintain pressure, 504 01:17:39,287 --> 01:17:42,424 allowing gas to travel thousands of miles safely 505 01:17:42,424 --> 01:17:45,460 from production areas to local distribution networks. 506 01:17:45,961 --> 01:17:47,629 Once the gas reaches New Jersey, 507 01:17:47,796 --> 01:17:50,132 it enters the local distribution systems 508 01:17:50,132 --> 01:17:52,801 that deliver it directly to homes and businesses. 509 01:17:53,268 --> 01:17:56,071 These distribution lines, which are typically smaller than 510 01:17:56,071 --> 01:17:58,073 the main pipelines, branch out 511 01:17:58,073 --> 01:17:59,775 across towns and neighborhoods. 512 01:18:00,275 --> 01:18:02,811 Utility companies like PSEG, 513 01:18:02,811 --> 01:18:04,079 New Jersey Natural Gas, 514 01:18:04,079 --> 01:18:05,847 and South Jersey Industries 515 01:18:05,847 --> 01:18:08,383 play an essential role in this process. 516 01:18:09,117 --> 01:18:11,586 They manage the distribution network, ensuring 517 01:18:11,586 --> 01:18:14,022 that natural gas is available for consumers 518 01:18:14,022 --> 01:18:17,025 when they need it most, whether for heating during the winter, 519 01:18:17,192 --> 01:18:18,894 or cooking on a stove. 520 01:18:18,927 --> 01:18:20,262 Natural gas appliances 521 01:18:20,262 --> 01:18:21,963 are common in New Jersey homes, 522 01:18:22,297 --> 01:18:24,032 from stoves to water heaters. 523 01:18:24,199 --> 01:18:26,968 These systems provide efficiency and reliability, 524 01:18:27,169 --> 01:18:28,870 helping to lower energy costs 525 01:18:28,870 --> 01:18:31,807 while reducing emissions compared to other fossil fuels. 526 01:18:31,807 --> 01:18:33,542 As New Jersey continues 527 01:18:33,542 --> 01:18:35,544 to invest and grow, alternative 528 01:18:35,544 --> 01:18:37,279 but intermittent energy sources 529 01:18:37,279 --> 01:18:40,215 like wind and solar, natural gas will continue 530 01:18:40,215 --> 01:18:42,984 to play a key role in providing reliable power 531 01:18:43,118 --> 01:18:46,021 while supporting the efforts to reduce overall emissions. 532 01:18:46,521 --> 01:18:48,190 After Superstorm Sandy, 533 01:18:48,190 --> 01:18:51,026 Princeton University and Montclair State University 534 01:18:51,026 --> 01:18:54,162 both built microgrids that will allow the universities 535 01:18:54,162 --> 01:18:56,331 to continue to function during blackouts. 536 01:18:56,798 --> 01:18:59,034 These microgrids feature solar power 537 01:18:59,034 --> 01:19:01,169 backed up by natural gas generators. 538 01:19:01,470 --> 01:19:04,339 Communities and hospitals throughout the state are looking 539 01:19:04,339 --> 01:19:06,041 at similar solutions. 540 01:19:06,141 --> 01:19:07,809 And in an exciting development, 541 01:19:08,076 --> 01:19:10,912 New Jersey's natural gas utilities are also leading 542 01:19:10,912 --> 01:19:12,914 the way in integrating hydrogen 543 01:19:12,914 --> 01:19:14,616 into the natural gas system 544 01:19:14,750 --> 01:19:17,052 Through a process called hydrogen blending, 545 01:19:17,285 --> 01:19:20,388 utilities are injecting hydrogen into existing pipelines, 546 01:19:20,388 --> 01:19:22,991 creating an even cleaner energy mix. 547 01:19:23,525 --> 01:19:26,094 Hydrogen, when blended with natural gas, can 548 01:19:26,094 --> 01:19:29,197 significantly reduce the carbon footprint of energy usage. 549 01:19:29,598 --> 01:19:31,199 The process involves mixing 550 01:19:31,199 --> 01:19:34,136 hydrogen with traditional natural gas to create 551 01:19:34,136 --> 01:19:37,239 a blend that further reduces greenhouse gas emissions, 552 01:19:37,239 --> 01:19:39,141 while maintaining the reliability 553 01:19:39,141 --> 01:19:40,809 and efficiency of the system. 554 01:19:41,309 --> 01:19:43,378 Hydrogen blending is already being tested 555 01:19:43,378 --> 01:19:44,813 in parts of New Jersey. 556 01:19:44,813 --> 01:19:47,382 Utilities are continuing to research how different 557 01:19:47,382 --> 01:19:50,552 concentrations of hydrogen can be blended with natural gas 558 01:19:50,652 --> 01:19:53,655 to reduce emissions, without compromising the safety 559 01:19:53,655 --> 01:19:56,458 or performance of appliances and infrastructure, 560 01:19:56,892 --> 01:19:58,293 and green hydrogen 561 01:19:58,293 --> 01:20:00,095 produced using renewable energy 562 01:20:00,095 --> 01:20:03,498 may play an important role in reducing the greenhouse gas 563 01:20:03,498 --> 01:20:06,434 emissions of the transportation and logistics industry. 564 01:20:06,568 --> 01:20:08,336 One of the largest and fastest 565 01:20:08,336 --> 01:20:10,038 growing industries in the state. 566 01:20:10,405 --> 01:20:12,507 This effort is part of New Jersey's broader 567 01:20:12,507 --> 01:20:14,609 strategy to create a low carbon 568 01:20:14,609 --> 01:20:16,711 future by blending hydrogen 569 01:20:16,711 --> 01:20:18,580 into the natural gas infrastructure. 570 01:20:18,780 --> 01:20:21,349 The state is taking meaningful steps to reach its 571 01:20:21,349 --> 01:20:25,187 environmental goals. With ongoing advancements in technology, 572 01:20:25,220 --> 01:20:27,956 the natural gas industry is constantly evolving. 573 01:20:28,190 --> 01:20:30,959 Utilities continue to invest in safety protocols, 574 01:20:31,126 --> 01:20:34,162 including real time monitoring systems and advanced 575 01:20:34,162 --> 01:20:37,132 leak detection technologies, ensuring that New Jersey's 576 01:20:37,132 --> 01:20:39,668 natural gas infrastructure remains as safe 577 01:20:39,868 --> 01:20:42,671 and environmentally responsible as possible. 578 01:20:43,071 --> 01:20:45,173 According to the American Gas Association, 579 01:20:45,407 --> 01:20:47,576 Only 1 in 650 gas 580 01:20:47,576 --> 01:20:50,345 customers will experience an outage in a given year, 581 01:20:50,478 --> 01:20:53,648 as opposed to one out of every one electric consumer. 582 01:20:54,049 --> 01:20:55,417 Also, collectively, 583 01:20:55,417 --> 01:20:57,252 the natural gas companies in New Jersey 584 01:20:57,252 --> 01:20:59,287 have invested tens of billions of dollars 585 01:20:59,287 --> 01:21:02,757 in infrastructure improvements and modernization in our state. 586 01:21:02,757 --> 01:21:06,127 Continued investment in modernization is critical. 587 01:21:06,428 --> 01:21:07,896 Over the next few years, 588 01:21:07,896 --> 01:21:09,965 New Jersey will see further improvements, 589 01:21:10,165 --> 01:21:12,400 including replacing aging pipelines, 590 01:21:12,634 --> 01:21:14,436 expanding the distribution network, 591 01:21:14,436 --> 01:21:17,305 and increasing the use of sustainable practices 592 01:21:17,305 --> 01:21:20,342 to reduce the carbon footprint of natural gas usage. 593 01:21:20,876 --> 01:21:23,812 As the demand for energy grows, New Jersey's 594 01:21:23,812 --> 01:21:27,215 natural gas infrastructure remains at the heart of powering 595 01:21:27,215 --> 01:21:30,552 homes, businesses and industries across the state. 596 01:21:30,952 --> 01:21:33,622 It's the backbone of modern energy delivery, 597 01:21:33,788 --> 01:21:35,724 ensuring that energy is there 598 01:21:35,724 --> 01:21:37,425 when we need it most. 599 01:21:37,626 --> 01:21:39,160 New Jersey's natural gas 600 01:21:39,160 --> 01:21:42,030 infrastructure: reliable, resilient, 601 01:21:42,297 --> 01:21:44,833 affordable, and ready for the future. 602 01:22:47,629 --> 01:22:48,663 Imagine flipping 603 01:22:48,663 --> 01:22:51,266 a switch and instantly lighting up a room. 604 01:22:51,666 --> 01:22:53,501 You don't think twice about it. 605 01:22:53,501 --> 01:22:56,538 But what happens behind the scenes is pretty complex. 606 01:22:56,905 --> 01:22:58,406 From generating electricity 607 01:22:58,406 --> 01:23:00,475 at power plants and getting it to your home, 608 01:23:00,675 --> 01:23:03,378 there's an intricate system that ensures your lights 609 01:23:03,378 --> 01:23:06,147 stay on and your devices stay charged. 610 01:23:06,581 --> 01:23:08,583 This is the electrical grid. 611 01:23:08,583 --> 01:23:11,753 One of the most important inventions of modern times, 612 01:23:11,753 --> 01:23:14,322 and one of the largest systems ever built. 613 01:23:14,622 --> 01:23:16,624 But how exactly does it work? 614 01:23:16,858 --> 01:23:18,793 First, let's break it down. 615 01:23:18,793 --> 01:23:20,829 The electrical grid is essentially 616 01:23:20,829 --> 01:23:22,697 a network of power generation, 617 01:23:22,697 --> 01:23:24,733 transmission and distribution 618 01:23:24,933 --> 01:23:26,868 that delivers electricity from power 619 01:23:26,868 --> 01:23:28,870 plants, to homes and businesses. 620 01:23:29,170 --> 01:23:31,206 It's made up of three main components: 621 01:23:31,706 --> 01:23:33,608 Power generation, where 622 01:23:33,608 --> 01:23:35,610 electricity is created. 623 01:23:35,710 --> 01:23:36,878 Transmission, 624 01:23:36,878 --> 01:23:38,513 how electricity is sent. 625 01:23:38,513 --> 01:23:40,015 long distances. 626 01:23:40,015 --> 01:23:40,815 Distribution, 627 01:23:41,182 --> 01:23:43,785 how electricity is delivered to your home. 628 01:23:44,352 --> 01:23:46,388 In New Jersey, power generation 629 01:23:46,388 --> 01:23:48,390 happens through a variety of sources. 630 01:23:48,723 --> 01:23:51,459 The state doesn't just rely on one type of energy. 631 01:23:51,760 --> 01:23:53,762 The energy mix is diverse, 632 01:23:53,762 --> 01:23:56,998 with fossil fuels, nuclear and renewable sources 633 01:23:56,998 --> 01:23:59,901 like solar and wind all contributing. 634 01:23:59,901 --> 01:24:00,802 Natural gas. 635 01:24:01,269 --> 01:24:03,538 the state's largest source of electricity. 636 01:24:03,972 --> 01:24:06,441 New Jersey has several natural gas plants 637 01:24:06,441 --> 01:24:09,844 that create steam to turn turbines and generate power. 638 01:24:10,378 --> 01:24:11,413 Nuclear. 639 01:24:11,413 --> 01:24:13,915 New Jersey also relies on nuclear power 640 01:24:13,915 --> 01:24:16,017 plants from plants like the Salem 641 01:24:16,017 --> 01:24:18,086 and Hope Creek Generating Stations, 642 01:24:18,286 --> 01:24:20,055 producing a significant portion 643 01:24:20,055 --> 01:24:22,424 of the state's energy without carbon emissions. 644 01:24:23,024 --> 01:24:24,659 Renewable energy. 645 01:24:24,659 --> 01:24:27,128 New Jersey is a leader in solar energy 646 01:24:27,262 --> 01:24:29,597 and offshore wind on the horizon. 647 01:24:30,031 --> 01:24:33,134 The state aims to reach 100% clean energy 648 01:24:33,268 --> 01:24:35,236 by 2035. 649 01:24:35,236 --> 01:24:36,971 Once the power is generated, 650 01:24:36,971 --> 01:24:38,973 it needs to travel to your home. 651 01:24:39,074 --> 01:24:41,409 This happens through high voltage transmission 652 01:24:41,409 --> 01:24:44,179 lines that stretch across the states and beyond, 653 01:24:44,612 --> 01:24:47,415 forming a network of interconnected grids. 654 01:24:47,882 --> 01:24:49,818 These transmission lines are designed 655 01:24:49,818 --> 01:24:52,387 to carry electricity over long distances, 656 01:24:52,687 --> 01:24:54,522 usually at high voltage, 657 01:24:54,522 --> 01:24:56,524 to reduce energy loss. 658 01:24:56,524 --> 01:24:59,494 New Jersey is part of the PJM interconnection, 659 01:24:59,761 --> 01:25:01,930 a regional transmission organization 660 01:25:01,930 --> 01:25:04,666 that helps manage the grid from parts of the Midwest 661 01:25:04,833 --> 01:25:06,835 all the way to the East Coast. 662 01:25:07,035 --> 01:25:10,071 PJM coordinates the supply of electricity 663 01:25:10,071 --> 01:25:13,508 and ensures reliability, balancing demand with 664 01:25:13,508 --> 01:25:16,444 the available generation across multiple states. 665 01:25:17,078 --> 01:25:19,647 Now, before the electricity can reach your home, 666 01:25:19,914 --> 01:25:22,083 it needs to be sent to substations. 667 01:25:22,517 --> 01:25:24,619 Substations are key facilities 668 01:25:24,619 --> 01:25:26,087 that reduce the high voltage 669 01:25:26,087 --> 01:25:28,423 electricity from the transmission lines 670 01:25:28,423 --> 01:25:31,926 to lower, safer voltages for local distribution. 671 01:25:32,460 --> 01:25:33,628 Think of substations 672 01:25:33,628 --> 01:25:35,697 like a traffic light at an intersection. 673 01:25:35,997 --> 01:25:38,233 They manage the flow of electricity. 674 01:25:38,533 --> 01:25:41,269 Without them, your lights wouldn't work properly. 675 01:25:41,603 --> 01:25:44,439 These substations are scattered across New Jersey, 676 01:25:44,639 --> 01:25:47,108 ensuring that power reaches every neighborhood, 677 01:25:47,342 --> 01:25:50,178 from the bustling cities to the quiet suburbs. 678 01:25:50,645 --> 01:25:53,681 Once the voltage is reduced, it's time to distribute 679 01:25:53,681 --> 01:25:55,917 the electricity to homes and businesses. 680 01:25:56,451 --> 01:25:57,886 This happens through a network 681 01:25:57,886 --> 01:25:59,888 of local distribution lines. 682 01:25:59,921 --> 01:26:02,557 The familiar power lines you see along streets. 683 01:26:02,991 --> 01:26:05,927 These lines deliver electricity to transformers 684 01:26:05,927 --> 01:26:08,796 mounted on utility poles that convert the power 685 01:26:08,796 --> 01:26:11,633 to the appropriate voltage for individual use. 686 01:26:12,066 --> 01:26:15,069 When you flip a switch, it's that power flowing 687 01:26:15,069 --> 01:26:17,272 through these distribution lines ready 688 01:26:17,272 --> 01:26:19,707 to turn on your lights, your refrigerator, 689 01:26:19,741 --> 01:26:23,311 your TV, and everything else that needs electricity. 690 01:26:24,345 --> 01:26:26,080 One of the trickiest parts of running 691 01:26:26,080 --> 01:26:27,382 the grid is making sure 692 01:26:27,382 --> 01:26:29,717 there's always enough power to meet demand. 693 01:26:30,051 --> 01:26:32,387 Electricity can't be stored efficiently, 694 01:26:32,620 --> 01:26:35,757 so supply and demand must always be in balance. 695 01:26:36,191 --> 01:26:38,960 This is why grid operators like PJM 696 01:26:38,960 --> 01:26:41,629 monitor real time electricity usage. 697 01:26:41,963 --> 01:26:43,965 When you're using a lot of electricity, 698 01:26:44,265 --> 01:26:46,301 like when everyone's turning on their air 699 01:26:46,301 --> 01:26:48,303 conditioning during a summer heatwave, 700 01:26:48,570 --> 01:26:50,405 the grid needs to keep up. 701 01:26:50,405 --> 01:26:53,641 If there's too much demand, that can cause blackouts. 702 01:26:54,042 --> 01:26:56,778 But if the grid is too big, power plants 703 01:26:56,778 --> 01:27:00,081 might be underused, costing energy companies money. 704 01:27:01,049 --> 01:27:03,117 Now, there has been significant government 705 01:27:03,117 --> 01:27:06,254 investment in alternative renewable energy sources. 706 01:27:06,487 --> 01:27:09,757 There's one significant challenge: intermittency. 707 01:27:10,191 --> 01:27:13,394 This means that renewable sources like solar and wind 708 01:27:13,528 --> 01:27:16,097 don't always generate power when we need it. 709 01:27:16,097 --> 01:27:17,031 Most. 710 01:27:17,031 --> 01:27:19,334 Solar energy depends on sunlight, 711 01:27:19,534 --> 01:27:21,769 so at night or on cloudy days, 712 01:27:22,036 --> 01:27:24,339 solar panels don't produce electricity. 713 01:27:24,639 --> 01:27:26,541 Solar technology is almost at 714 01:27:26,541 --> 01:27:28,610 its maximum production capability, 715 01:27:28,876 --> 01:27:31,546 meaning solar panels themselves cannot convert 716 01:27:31,546 --> 01:27:34,515 more photons from the sun than they already do. 717 01:27:34,882 --> 01:27:37,485 Wind energy depends on wind conditions, 718 01:27:37,652 --> 01:27:39,587 which can be unpredictable. 719 01:27:39,587 --> 01:27:42,490 For example, wind turbines shut down 720 01:27:42,490 --> 01:27:47,195 when wind speeds exceed 55mph, like during storms. 721 01:27:47,228 --> 01:27:48,696 To avoid damage. 722 01:27:48,696 --> 01:27:50,732 And without significant subsidies, 723 01:27:50,732 --> 01:27:52,066 the cost to consumer 724 01:27:52,066 --> 01:27:54,669 can be significantly more than other sources. 725 01:27:55,103 --> 01:27:57,105 This creates a mismatch between 726 01:27:57,105 --> 01:27:59,540 when energy is available and when it's needed. 727 01:28:00,008 --> 01:28:02,443 For example, on a sunny, windy day, 728 01:28:02,577 --> 01:28:04,912 we might have more energy than we can use. 729 01:28:05,179 --> 01:28:07,315 But during a calm, cloudy evening, 730 01:28:07,515 --> 01:28:09,617 the demand for power is often higher, 731 01:28:09,884 --> 01:28:11,886 and renewable energy generation 732 01:28:11,886 --> 01:28:13,821 could be much lower. 733 01:28:13,821 --> 01:28:15,657 New Jersey is also upgrading 734 01:28:15,657 --> 01:28:18,626 its electrical grid with smart grid technology. 735 01:28:18,960 --> 01:28:22,263 A smart grid uses digital technology to detect 736 01:28:22,263 --> 01:28:25,300 and respond to changes in electricity usage, 737 01:28:25,600 --> 01:28:28,536 helping to improve efficiency and reliability. 738 01:28:28,870 --> 01:28:31,472 It can even help reduce the impact of outages 739 01:28:31,606 --> 01:28:34,742 by quickly identifying and isolating problems. 740 01:28:35,576 --> 01:28:37,779 Sometimes power outages happen. 741 01:28:37,779 --> 01:28:40,448 Severe weather like hurricanes, snow 742 01:28:40,448 --> 01:28:43,785 storms, or even high winds can knock out power lines. 743 01:28:44,085 --> 01:28:46,087 But New Jersey is prepared. 744 01:28:46,354 --> 01:28:48,790 Utilities like PSE&G, 745 01:28:48,790 --> 01:28:50,325 JC P&L 746 01:28:50,491 --> 01:28:52,660 and Atlantic City Electricity 747 01:28:52,694 --> 01:28:56,130 have extensive emergency response systems in place. 748 01:28:56,531 --> 01:28:59,500 They work to restore power quickly by dispatching 749 01:28:59,500 --> 01:29:02,370 repair crews, using drones for inspections, 750 01:29:02,537 --> 01:29:05,340 and communicating with the public in real time. 751 01:29:05,807 --> 01:29:07,642 Thanks to modern technology, 752 01:29:07,642 --> 01:29:10,411 outages are detected faster and resolved 753 01:29:10,411 --> 01:29:12,447 more efficiently than ever before. 754 01:29:12,880 --> 01:29:14,549 So whether it's powering 755 01:29:14,549 --> 01:29:17,085 your morning coffee or charging your phone. 756 01:29:17,418 --> 01:29:19,153 New Jersey's electrical grid 757 01:29:19,153 --> 01:29:21,189 keeps everything running smoothly. 758 01:29:21,422 --> 01:29:23,658 From power plants to substations 759 01:29:23,925 --> 01:29:25,893 to the smart grid of the future. 760 01:29:25,893 --> 01:29:28,696 Every part of the system works together to deliver 761 01:29:28,696 --> 01:29:31,599 reliable electricity right to your door. 762 01:29:32,033 --> 01:29:33,768 The grid isn't perfect. 763 01:29:33,768 --> 01:29:35,770 There's always room for improvement. 764 01:29:35,770 --> 01:29:37,672 But thanks to smart technology, 765 01:29:37,672 --> 01:29:40,208 renewable energy, and careful management, 766 01:29:40,375 --> 01:29:42,710 we're moving towards a more sustainable 767 01:29:42,710 --> 01:29:44,746 and resilient energy future.