Bucco agrees with former BPU commissioner on flaws in NJ’s energy policy
TRENTON, NJ – Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) echoed the concerns raised by former Board of Public Utilities (BPU) Commissioner Mary-Anna Holden in a recent op-ed, criticizing New Jersey’s current energy policies under the leadership of Trenton Democrats. Bucco argued that the state’s energy strategy, which prioritizes renewable-only generation, has resulted in rising energy costs and grid instability.
“Commissioner Holden is absolutely right, New Jersey’s energy policy has gone completely off the rails under Trenton’s sole Democrat rule and hardworking families are paying the price,” said Bucco. “Instead of focusing on adding more reliable, cost-effective energy generation like natural gas and nuclear, Trenton Democrats continue to force politically motivated carbon neutral mandates into our complex energy systems. Their policies have predictably failed and are now both driving up energy bills and jeopardizing the reliability of our grid.”
Bucco calls for balanced energy approach
In her op-ed, Holden, a former BPU commissioner, warned that New Jersey’s push for renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, at the expense of other energy options, has destabilized the state’s energy system. She highlighted the financial pressure these policies are placing on residents and businesses. Holden also criticized the Democrats’ attempt to blame the apolitical grid operator, PJM, for the issues plaguing the energy market.
Bucco agreed with Holden’s assessment, pointing to the failures of recent policies under Governor Phil Murphy, particularly his opposition to new natural gas infrastructure and the struggling offshore wind projects that have already cost ratepayers billions.
“The Energy Master Plan is not grounded in reality, it’s pure ideological pandering,” Bucco continued. “We need serious investment in in-state energy generation and a balanced energy mix that puts reliability and affordability first.”
The consequences of stalled infrastructure projects
Bucco’s comments also addressed the impact of Murphy’s administration blocking new natural gas projects. According to the senator, these decisions have contributed to the state’s growing energy crisis. “Phil Murphy’s blocking of new natural gas infrastructure for years, followed by the dramatic failure of their offshore wind farms despite billion-dollar ratepayer bailouts in 2023 are the real culprit for looming financial pain among millions of New Jersey ratepayers,” he stated.
The state’s continued reliance on politically motivated mandates, Bucco argued, has failed to address the core issue of energy reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Support for a more balanced energy policy
A recent survey revealed that a significant portion of New Jersey voters, 63%, prefer a more balanced approach to energy policy, as opposed to the state doubling down on its current trajectory under Murphy’s leadership. Only 26% of respondents supported continuing with the existing renewable-only policies. Bucco pointed to this data as further evidence that New Jersey residents are dissatisfied with the state’s energy direction.
“The Democrats’ election-year gimmicks of taking money from your left pocket and putting it back in your right pocket are not solving the problem,” Bucco said.
Former BPU commissioner raises alarm over energy policy
Mary-Anna Holden, a former mayor of Madison, New Jersey, and council president, served on the BPU under both Republican Governor Chris Christie and Democrat Governor Phil Murphy. Her op-ed has gained attention for its critique of the state’s energy policies and their impact on New Jersey’s energy grid and economy. Holden has emphasized that the state’s current focus on renewable energy, while well-intentioned, is creating systemic vulnerabilities.
In the face of increasing energy costs and grid instability, both Bucco and Holden are advocating for a return to a more balanced energy strategy that includes investment in reliable energy sources like natural gas and nuclear power.
