TRENTON, N.J. — A moment of common sense was drowned out by panic by Democrats ahead of the 2025 election season in the New Jersey Statehouse today. Assemblyman Brian Bergen (R-Morris) sharply criticized a new energy assistance bill on the Assembly floor this week, calling it a concession by Democrats that their energy policies are failing and will lead to surging utility costs this summer.
The bill, which requires state agencies to reassess and increase eligibility thresholds for residents to qualify for energy bill assistance, drew opposition from Bergen, who argued that it amounts to an acknowledgment that New Jersey’s green energy initiatives are insufficient to control costs.
“This bill is an admission by the Democrats that all of this energy-saving stuff you’re proposing is not going to work,” Bergen said during debate. “Because if it was going to work, you wouldn’t need to put in a bill that’s going to raise the threshold for people to get assistance.”
The Assemblyman clashed with the chamber’s Speaker throughout his comments, frequently being reminded to stay focused on the legislation at hand. At one point, Bergen accused the Speaker of repeated interruptions, stating, “I know you’re going to constantly interrupt me, which is rude.”
Bergen maintained that instead of expanding assistance programs, lawmakers should address the root causes of rising energy costs by cutting taxes and fees associated with energy usage. “You could simply end the sales tax and end the societal benefit charge,” he said, referencing state-imposed costs on utility bills.
Partisan tensions flare over energy policy debate
The bill comes as New Jersey residents brace for higher utility costs, which officials attribute in part to market pressures and infrastructure investments. Supporters of the legislation argue that expanding eligibility for assistance will protect vulnerable households from being left behind during peak summer demand.
Bergen, however, framed the measure as reactive and insufficient.
“The solution by the Democrats is welfare, not actually solving the problems and avoiding the rate increases in the first place,” he said.
The exchange put on full display the ongoing partisan friction over how to manage energy policy and affordability in the state. Democrats have promoted renewable energy investments and climate goals as long-term solutions, while Republicans like Bergen continue to press for tax relief and regulatory rollback.
Bergen concluded his remarks after several procedural back-and-forths with the Speaker, asserting his right to speak for the full time allotted.
“I got 15 minutes to speak, Mr. Speaker. A little bit of indulgence would be appropriate by you,” he said.
The bill passed the chamber and now heads to the State Senate for consideration.
