
Mary Barber
State Director, New York and New Jersey
Work
Areas of expertise:
New York and New Jersey energy policy, vehicle electrification, energy efficiency
Description
Mary Barber currently serves as state director, New York and New Jersey, for Environmental Defense Fund. In this role, Ms. Barber focuses on climate, clean energy and resilience policy in New York and New Jersey, working alongside government agencies, nonprofits and businesses to develop sound, science-based climate policies. Ms. Barber was instrumental in advocating for the passage of Congestion Pricing in New York and is working for the program to be implemented fairly to reduce traffic congestion and fund public transportation improvements. She is also active in advancing the policies and programs to electrify trucks and buses and decarbonizing the natural gas distribution system to achieve New York’s ambitious climate goals.
Background
Prior to her current role, Mary was an integral part of EDF’s efforts to advocate for the passage of Congestion Pricing in New York City, which was approved and could help fund public transportation, cut traffic and improve air quality in the Big Apple. She was also instrumental in advocating for the passage of New Jersey’s Clean Energy Act of 2018, which set the state on a path to source 50 percent of its power from renewables by 2030. In 2010, Mary launched EDF’s Investor Confidence Project (ICP), a system designed to develop building retrofit opportunities into reliable Investor Ready Energy Efficient™ projects.
Degrees
B.A., Elmira College
Latest pieces
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New Jersey’s road to clean transportation revs up with advanced clean trucks rule
Energy Exchange Blog, May 20, 2021 -
Financing New Jersey’s clean energy economy: Pathways for leadership
Source, December 5, 2017 -
PlaNYC: The Making of a Greener, Greater New York City
Source, July 1, 2011
Press materials
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EDF Statement on the Passing of Joseph Fiordaliso, New Jersey BPU President and Clean Energy Champion
September 8, 2023 -
New York’s Landmark Congestion Pricing Program Receives Final Federal Approval
June 27, 2023 -
New York’s Congestion Pricing Program Moves Ahead With Federal Highway Administration Letter of Legal Sufficiency
May 5, 2023 -
Gov. Phil Murphy Announces Sweeping Electrification Executive Orders
February 15, 2023 -
New York Governor Hochul Announces Sweeping Climate and Electrification Initiatives
January 10, 2023 -
New Proposal Sets New Jersey on the Road to Truck and Bus Electrification
December 23, 2022 -
New Plan Starts the Clock on New York’s Commitment to Decarbonize
December 19, 2022 -
Congestion Pricing Environmental Assessment Lists Major Benefits of New Program
August 10, 2022