Earth Day – it probably conjures images of blooming tulips and pristine nature, not a distribution center. In fact, the logistics industry is often on the receiving end of much environmental finger-pointing. The irony is that perhaps no industry has done more to both clean up New Jersey and promote solar energy than logistics.
Transportation, Logistics and Distribution (TLD) powers New Jersey’s economy. A recent report from The Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) at Rutgers University shows that existing warehouse and distribution centers support over 764,000 direct jobs and more than 1.35 million total jobs in the state. A separate CAIT study showed the Port Industry of New York and New Jersey supported nearly 580,00 jobs and accounted for nearly $18.1 billion in tax revenue in 2024.
TLD has a huge positive impact on the lives of New Jerseyans. Logistics is more than just being the lifeblood of the state’s economy – it’s a leader in the environmental cleanup of heavily polluted sites. These are properties that are often underutilized or abandoned for decades due to health and safety concerns.
The costs associated with cleaning up a brownfield site and making it safe for public use can be millions of dollars and take years to complete. Yet the logistics industry has taken the initiative to clean up and reuse these sites across New Jersey.
Jersey City. Newark. Ridgefield Park. North Arlington. Phillipsburg. Linden. Carteret. Piscataway. Old Bridge. South Amboy. Perth Amboy. Monroe. Palmyra. Logan Township. Lower Alloways Creek.
In each of these towns the logistics industry turned polluted spaces into safe and productive job-creators. They can now once again contribute to the quality of life and economies of the municipalities.
This is no trivial matter. The Environmental Law Institute notes that when brownfield sites are cleaned up, “many people benefit. Cleanups address environmental problems. Redevelopment can bring new jobs and higher tax revenues. Revitalized brownfields can breathe new life into neighborhoods.”
The logistics industry isn’t just leading the way on environmental cleanup either: it’s a leader in solar as well.
In her first days in office, Gov. Mikie Sherrill issued executive orders to expand in-state power generation in New Jersey. This highlights the need for fast, practical solutions, and warehouse rooftops are uniquely suited to deliver it through community solar. Hosting rooftop solar on existing buildings strengthens grid reliability, reduces energy costs for thousands of New Jersey households, and advances renewable energy. Logistics industry companies like Solar Landscape are leading the way in this field.
The trucking industry is also doing its part. Since its creation in 2009, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Truck Replacement Program has successfully replaced 1,000 older diesel trucks with newer, near-zero models. This has led to annual percent emission reductions of 87% for nitrogen oxide and 86% for carbon monoxide.
The Association of Bi-State Motor Carriers helps reduce emissions through an online forum for its members. The forum matches up local trucking companies seeking to exchange containers with one another without having to travel to a marine terminal or depot.
Meanwhile, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority has funded a $13 million pilot program through CAIT to test Hyundai XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell trucks at Port Newark. These are zero-emission vehicles that will reduce greenhouse gases while making the state a leader in sustainable logistics and green technology.
This Earth Day, as with every other day, Logistics will continue doing what we do best – growing the state’s economy and helping New Jersey get cleaner and greener.
David Greek is Chair of Circulate NJ and Managing Partner of Greek Real Estate Partners
