Jersey Dems flee gov’s green ‘Energy Master Plan’ as election approaches
A significant figure in New Jersey’s Democratic Party who is running for governor this year has publicly distanced himself from Governor Phil Murphy’s ambitious green “Energy Master Plan.” Former state Senate President Steve Sweeney has called for an immediate halt to Murphy’s plan, citing concerns about the impact on residents as utility costs are expected to rise by 20% or more by summertime.
Sweeney emphasized that his top priority, if elected, is to make New Jersey a more affordable place to live. He expressed reservations about the potential negative impact of overly ambitious targets for achieving 100% clean energy by 2050. Sweeney’s stance comes at a time when rate hikes of 17-21% are anticipated across the state through utility providers like Jersey Central Power & Light, Atlantic City Electric, PSEG, and Rockland Electric.
While Sweeney has a history of supporting renewable energy initiatives such as solar power development and offshore windmills, he also signaled a willingness to consider natural gas as a cleaner fuel alternative to oil. He highlighted the potential for New Jersey to leverage its organic resources, such as landfills, sewage, farms, and food waste, to generate gas for energy needs. Sweeney also stressed the importance of utilizing existing pipeline infrastructure investments.
State Senator Jon Bramnick, a Republican candidate for governor, welcomed Sweeney’s position as a sign that even Democrats find the state’s green energy plans too extreme. Bramnick criticized Governor Murphy’s plan as impractical and suggested that a lack of practical common sense could be hurting Democrats at the polls.
In response to criticism from lawmakers like Bramnick, Governor Murphy defended his Energy Master Plan, asserting that it comprehensively addresses New Jersey’s energy system and greenhouse gas emissions. Other prominent candidates in the gubernatorial race, such as Democratic contender Steve Fulop and Republican Edward Durr, have also weighed in on environmental and sustainability issues.
Fulop, the mayor of Jersey City, has outlined detailed environmental and sustainability policy goals, highlighting his city’s progress in energy and sustainability initiatives. Durr, a political newcomer known as “Ed the Trucker,” made waves in 2021 with an upset victory over Sweeney in Gloucester County.
As the race for governor heats up in New Jersey, the debate over the state’s energy future continues to evolve. Sweeney’s departure from Governor Murphy’s green energy agenda underscores the complexity of balancing environmental goals with affordability concerns for residents. The upcoming election will be a critical juncture in determining the direction of New Jersey’s energy policy for years to come.
