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WALL, N.J. – New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR) today received the second of two awards from national and state organizations for the company’s commitment to improving the lives of children. The awards recognize NJR’s efforts to support education and programs that benefit children and families, including the involvement of NJR Chairman and CEO Laurence M. Downes as co-chairman of the Safe Child Consortium, a group of New Jersey business and foundation leaders helping to advance the state’s initiatives on behalf of children.

“Our children deserve a bright future, and every day is an opportunity to contribute our time, talent and resources to make a difference,” Mr. Downes said. “We’re proud to do our part as a reliable partner with our state and others dedicated to fulfilling the promise of tomorrow, because everyone and every organization shares the responsibility for a better world.”

On March 10, NJR was named a 2005 Corporate Friend of Children by the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA). One of only four honorees nationwide, NJR was recognized by CWLA for the company’s involvement with the Safe Child Consortium and efforts in building stronger communities and families to promote healthier and safer children.

Today, NJR received an award from the NJ Child Assault Prevention network for working to protect and empower children and reduce the incidence of child abuse. The award recognizes NJR’s role in establishing the Safe Child Consortium and longstanding history of involvement in the community.

“NJR is a leader in their commitment to communities and families,” Commissioner James Davy of the New Jersey Department of Human Services said. “We are grateful for their support of our efforts to establish a model program of services and resources for children and families in our state.”

NJR helped to establish the Safe Child Consortium with a $500,000 contribution and has assisted in raising $200,000 in additional funds. The consortium supports the implementation of New Jersey’s Child Welfare Reform plan, a comprehensive approach to ensure the safety, permanency and well-being of children and families. Through the Safe Child Fund of New Jersey, the consortium provides grants to community programs and other organizations across the state to prevent child abuse.

NJR’s commitment to children includes the Energy for Education program, a variety of educational initiatives to motivate students and enhance lifelong learning opportunities. Among these initiatives is the Project Venture Mentoring program, which brings together urban middle school students and employees to provide positive role models and offer a glimpse of what the future may hold. NJR also sponsors the Anytown Program by the National Conference on Community and Justice, which teaches young people the value and importance of diversity. Through NJR’s involvement in the community, the company supports numerous organizations that benefit children and families and works to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations.

Later in April, in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention month, NJR is offering an awareness program for employees that includes a preview of the Heart Gallery New Jersey exhibit. The traveling exhibit features portraits by award-winning photographers of foster children in New Jersey who are eligible for adoption. More information about the gallery is available at www.heartgallerynj.com.

New Jersey Resources (NYSE:NJR), a Fortune 1000 company and a member of the Forbes Platinum 400, provides reliable retail and wholesale energy services to customers in New Jersey and in states from the Gulf Coast to New England, and Canada. Its principal subsidiary, New Jersey Natural Gas, is one of the fastest-growing local distribution companies in the United States, serving more than 450,000 customers in central and northern New Jersey. Other major NJR subsidiaries include NJR Energy Services and NJR Home Services. NJR Energy Services is a leader in the unregulated energy services market, providing customer service and management of natural gas storage and capacity assets. NJR Home Services offers retail customers heating, air conditioning and appliance services. NJR’s progress is a tribute to the more than 5,000 dedicated employees who have shared their expertise and focus on quality through more than 50 years of serving customers and the community to make NJR a leader in the competitive energy marketplace. For more information, visit NJR’s Web site at njliving.com.