TRENTON, NJ – A New Jersey senator today said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has taken the first step toward a radical re-engineering of New Jersey’s energy supply which could lead to the eventual banning of natural gas stoves and natural gas heating systems in the state.
Senator Holly Schepisi expressed strong opposition to the recently approved plan by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to initiate the electrification of homes and businesses. She argued that the plan would impose excessive mandates and lead to expensive bans on affordable natural gas stoves and appliances.
Despite facing considerable resistance, the BPU proceeded with Governor Murphy’s ambitious proposal to phase out natural gas usage in numerous New Jersey households and businesses. The approval marks the initial step in the Governor’s electrification initiative, which could eventually result in the prohibition of gas stoves and appliances, similar to the recent ban on gas-powered cars.
“Despite significant pushback, the BPU is forging ahead with the Murphy administration’s radical plan to phase out the natural gas used in millions of New Jersey homes and businesses,” said Schepisi (R-39). “The BPU’s approval today is the first step of Governor Murphy’s electrification effort that will result in gas stoves and appliances being banned, mirroring the recent mandate banning future sales of gas cars. New Jerseyans cannot afford the $1.4 trillion price tag of an extreme energy plan that will leave them with fewer options and significantly higher electric bills.”
Senator Schepisi, a member of the Republican party representing the 39th district, raised concerns over the staggering cost of the extreme energy plan, estimated at $1.4 trillion. She warned that such a plan would leave New Jersey residents with fewer choices and significantly higher electricity bills.
The BPU officially adopted the “building decarbonization” plan during a special meeting. This initiative is one of several measures being pursued by Governor Murphy’s administration to advance his far-reaching Energy Master Plan. In addition to the BPU’s efforts, the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is also considering changes to building codes. These changes could include prohibiting new natural gas hookups and mandating fully electric replacement appliances in existing buildings.
“Governor Murphy doesn’t care how many tens of thousands of dollars it will cost New Jersey families to convert their gas stoves, water heaters, and furnaces to fully electric appliances or that New Jersey does not have the infrastructure to support such rapid and radical changes,” Schepisi added. “He’s using agencies like the DCA and BPU to bypass the Legislature to mandate his extreme energy agenda into existence.”
Senator Schepisi further criticized Governor Murphy’s approach, accusing him of disregarding the potential financial burden on New Jersey families caused by the conversion of gas stoves, water heaters, and furnaces to fully electric alternatives. She also pointed out the lack of adequate infrastructure to support such rapid and radical changes. According to Schepisi, the Governor seems determined to implement his extreme energy agenda by utilizing agencies like the DCA and BPU to bypass the Legislature and impose his vision on the state.
Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco voiced his disapproval of the BPU stating that their actions have set New Jersey on a costly and disruptive trajectory towards complete electrification of residences and commercial establishments. Bucco warned that this move could eventually result in the prohibition of gas stoves and other natural gas appliances.
“The Murphy administration doesn’t seem to care that people don’t want to replace their gas stoves or undertake expensive conversions to electric furnaces and water heaters,” said Bucco (R-25). “The BPU’s action today demonstrates that they’re willing to start implementing electrification plans no matter how unpopular they are, regardless of the cost, and without legislative oversight.”
Murphy, like President Joe Biden has shrugged off the notion that he wants to ban gas stoves at several public appearances.