TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has approved measures encouraging building owners to switch from natural gas to electric heating, aligning with Gov. Phil Murphy’s green energy objectives amidst public dissent.
Gov. Murphy has set ambitious targets to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050. This includes installing zero-carbon-emission heating and cooling systems in 400,000 homes and 20,000 commercial properties by 2030 and ending gas-powered vehicle sales in the state by 2035.
Governor Murphy has previously said he won’t come after natural gas, but after those measures were approved, Republicans aren’t so sure he’s telling the truth since he signed the order to reduce carbon emissions by natural gas in New Jersey.
New Jersey Republican leaders feel the governor and Democrats in the state assembly and senate will target natural gas next.
To meet these objectives, some incentives are now becoming mandates, stirring concerns about costs and limiting consumer options. An independent nonprofit estimates these green energy plans could cost New Jersey residents $1.4 trillion.
Assembly Republicans and legislative analysts like Reina Smrdelj question whether the five government-appointed BPU commissioners and Murphy may be extending their reach to include banning gas stoves in residences. This recent move has triggered a debate about consumer choice and the costs associated with transitioning to green energy options.