TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Trenton Democrats are all about inclusion, diversity, and equity, except when it comes to official state business.
They routinely ignore assembly and senate Republicans and push bad policy upon the residents of New Jersey.
When it comes to the massive energy policy failures plaguing New Jersey, Republicans are waiting for the Democrats to put their DEI money where their mouth is.
Republican State Senators Anthony M. Bucco and Michael Testa are calling for an additional legislative hearing on rising energy costs, arguing that the first session lacked balance and excluded critical perspectives.
In a letter sent Thursday to Senator Paul Sarlo and Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, the co-chairs of the ongoing legislative hearings, Bucco and Testa criticized the selection of witnesses, claiming they were “handpicked” to support a narrative that overlooked the impact of Governor Phil Murphy’s energy policies.
“Instead of facilitating a robust and balanced dialogue, the hearings were populated with the Majority’s handpicked witnesses whose testimonies aligned with a predetermined narrative,” the senators wrote. They accused the initial hearing of placing blame solely on utility companies and regional grid operators.
Both senators serve on the Senate Select Committee and stated they were not consulted regarding which witnesses would be invited, nor were they allowed to propose alternative voices for the hearing.
Bucco and Testa requested a second hearing to include stakeholders they recommend, aiming to present what they describe as a more comprehensive view of the factors contributing to New Jersey’s rising energy costs.
Key points
- Senators Bucco and Testa criticized the lack of balance in recent energy cost hearings.
- They allege the current testimony favored a political narrative and excluded dissenting views.
- The lawmakers are requesting a new hearing with witnesses of their choosing.
Call for broader stakeholder inclusion
The letter from Bucco and Testa emphasized the need for a bipartisan, inclusive dialogue on energy affordability in New Jersey. They contend the current format underrepresents constituents affected by recent state energy initiatives.
While the initial hearings focused on issues such as utility pricing and grid management, the senators argue that policy decisions — including environmental mandates — must also be scrutinized for their financial impact on ratepayers.
The call for a new session underscores growing partisan tensions around energy strategy in the state, especially as residents continue to see increases in electricity and gas bills.
Legislative leaders Sarlo and DeAngelo have not yet publicly responded to the senators’ request.
GOP senators push for new hearing on energy prices, citing bias and lack of input.