TRENTON, NJ – Gas stoves are potentially in danger in New Jersey under Governor Phil Murphy’s radical energy agenda. Now, a bill sponsored in Trenton is seeking to protect New Jersey’s dinner table from government intrusion.
In the wake of the Board of Public Utilities launching “building decarbonization” efforts in New Jersey, Senator Joe Pennacchio has called upon the Legislature to take action on a crucial bill he co-sponsors with Senator Steven Oroho. The proposed legislation aims to safeguard the rights of New Jersey residents to purchase and utilize gas stoves in their homes.
Senator Pennacchio, representing the 26th district and affiliated with the Republican party, expressed concerns over the apparent contradiction in Governor Murphy’s statements. While the Governor reassured the public that “no one is coming for your gas stove,” the BPU’s actions seemed to be advancing plans for “decarbonization,” a move that involves eliminating the use of natural gas and transitioning to electrification for various purposes.
According to Senator Pennacchio, without clear and robust protections enshrined in state law, the Governor’s words regarding energy choice and the preservation of New Jersey consumers’ right to opt for gas stoves could be rendered meaningless.
The legislative proposal, known as S-3560, which is jointly sponsored by Senators Pennacchio and Oroho, specifically prohibits the adoption of any State or local regulations that would ban the use of stoves and ovens powered by natural gas or other delivered fuels.
Senator Pennacchio had earlier cautioned against the potential long-term goal of Governor Murphy’s ambitious Energy Master Plan – the imposition of a state-level ban on gas stoves and other appliances reliant on natural gas.
Recently, the BPU took its initial steps towards “building decarbonization” by approving a plan aimed at gradually replacing gas-powered appliances with their electric counterparts.
“Our bill would guarantee the right of New Jerseyans to use gas stoves and prevent state regulators from implementing any intrusive and expensive bans,” asserted Senator Pennacchio. He emphasized that if there were no intentions to impose bans or mandates on gas stoves, Governor Murphy should have no hesitation in supporting and signing the bill into law. However, Senator Pennacchio expressed doubts about receiving such an endorsement from the Governor.
The issue of “building decarbonization” and the protection of energy choices for New Jersey residents is set to be a crucial topic of debate in the Legislature in the coming days, with the proposed bill aiming to strike a balance between environmental goals and individual freedoms.