TOMS RIVER, NJ – Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano, representing District 10 in New Jersey, including Toms River and portions of Ocean County, have expressed serious concerns over Governor Murphy’s proposed energy policies, cautioning that they will have adverse effects on utility payers and exacerbate the state’s affordability crisis for low- and middle-income families.
In a recent statement, Senator Holzapfel criticized Governor Murphy’s energy plan, which heavily favors expensive offshore wind projects at the expense of more affordable natural gas options.
He emphasized that the Governor’s approach lacks bipartisanship and fails to consider the interests of both the environment and taxpayers. Moreover, Senator Holzapfel pointed out that Governor Murphy and Trenton Democrats approved a staggering $1 billion bailout for Orsted, a Danish energy company, to support the development of costly wind turbines off the coast of New Jersey. This move, according to Holzapfel, diverts funds from utility customers and raises energy costs for residents.
Assemblyman McGuckin echoed these concerns, emphasizing that low- and middle-income families simply cannot bear the burden of the estimated $1.4 trillion price tag associated with electrifying their homes and replacing natural gas appliances. McGuckin criticized the proposed ban on natural gas, warning that it would lead to higher costs and fewer energy options for homeowners and businesses. He argued against Governor Murphy’s interference in dictating how New Jerseyans heat their homes and cook their food.
One of the critical issues at stake is the proposal by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to phase out affordable natural gas in the state, which is slated for consideration. The building decarbonization plan could compel millions of homeowners to fully electrify their homes, necessitating the replacement of natural gas appliances and mechanical systems.
Adding to the concerns raised by the District 10 lawmakers, Governor Murphy announced a rule that would mandate car manufacturers to sell only electric vehicles (EVs) in the state by 2035. Although Governor Murphy clarified that consumers are not obligated to purchase EVs, Assemblyman Catalano highlighted the administration’s hypocrisy, as they previously used taxpayer dollars to purchase a fleet of gas-powered SUVs.
Catalano questioned the Governor’s double standards, pointing out that while the administration imposes EV mandates on consumers, they themselves did not lead by example by purchasing a fleet of electric vehicles. This discrepancy underscores the perception that top Democratic officials in New Jersey seem exempt from the rules they impose on others.
As the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities considers the future of natural gas and the Governor pushes for an electric vehicle-only mandate, the concerns expressed by Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano reflect a growing debate over the state’s energy policies and their impact on New Jersey’s residents, particularly low- and middle-income families.