TRENTON, NJ – If recent history indicates which direction New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy seeks to take the Garden State, news from New York state should have Jersey residents concerned.
Politico reported last week that the administration of Governor Kathy Hochul, a close political ally of Phil Murphy, is moving toward banning all gas and fossil fuel appliances in new construction projects, including single-family homes.
That policy will be embedded into the state’s proposed budget, according to Politico. Proposals to ban fossil fuel furnaces, clothes dryers, gas stoves, and water heaters have been championed by Hochul and her allies in the state legislature.
So, why should New Jerseyans be concerned about a law being passed in New York?
Governor Phil Murphy has often said his policies align with those in New York and California. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Murphy often mimicked the movements and actions of New York and California. Murphy’s gas car ban that takes effect in 2035 is based on a similar California ban.
California already regulates fossil fuel-based appliances through building codes.
So, it’s likely that Murphy, in his effort to eradicate fossil fuel consumption New Jersey, is keeping a close eye on what’s happening in New York right now.
A 2021 editorial by NJ.com’s Paul Mulshine predicted this moment in history.
Mulshine noted that 3 out of 4 homes in New Jersey use natural gas as their primary home heating fuel source. Under Murphy’s vague fossil-free master plan, “New Jersey’s natural gas use declines to less than one-fifth of today’s levels.”
It doesn’t specifically say how the Governor will cut 80% of natural gas usage, but the equation is simple to figure out. He’s going to come for your gas stoves, water heaters, and eventually.
There’s no other way Murphy can meet his goal without it.
Mulshine reported, when he unveiled the plan last year, Gov. Phil Murphy said New Jersey plans to lead the nation in “weaning the state off its century-old addiction to fossil fuels.”
“I guarantee you that within 10 years, every state will have to face up and do what we’re doing,” Murphy said.
Since taking office, Murphy’s green initiatives banned plastic straws, plastic bags, and gas-powered cars. He is now eyeing a bill that will ban plastic utensils and single-use condiment packages. Next on the list is your gas-powered appliances. We could also be looking at a gas-powered garden tool ban and other similar bans enacted by states that Murphy strives to mimic.