Assemblyman Ravi Bhalla is facing criticism after remarks during a State House hearing in which he said New Jersey does not want jobs that “create climate disasters and kill our residents.”
Trenton, N.J. – A heated exchange during a New Jersey Assembly hearing has ignited political backlash after Assemblyman Ravi Bhalla appeared to dismiss concerns about the loss of major energy industry employers from the state, prompting criticism from Republicans and business advocates.
The controversy arose during testimony on the proposed Climate Superfund Act, legislation that would seek financial contributions from fossil fuel companies for climate-related costs.
Key Points
• Assemblyman Ravi Bhalla’s comments came during a Climate Superfund Act hearing.
• Republicans criticized Bhalla after he responded “Good” when told several major energy companies had left New Jersey.
• Bhalla defended his position by arguing New Jersey should prioritize clean-energy employment.
The exchange began when Dennis Hart of the Chemistry Council of New Jersey argued that companies including Chevron, Hess, Valero and Sunoco had reduced or ended significant operations in the Garden State.
“I can show you evidence of someone who’s been working in this state for a long time that you mentioned Chevron. Chevron had a big industrial presence in New Jersey. Hess, Valero, Sunoco. What happened to all them? They left New Jersey,” Hart said.
“Good,” Bhalla replied.
Hart immediately challenged the response.
“Good? You’re saying that’s all the people that worked in those places? Good? How many jobs left? What happened? How many jobs did they take with them?” Hart asked.
Exchange grows increasingly heated
Bhalla doubled down moments later, arguing that New Jersey should focus on a different type of economic development.
“We want clean energy jobs. We want jobs that don’t create climate—” Bhalla said before Hart interrupted.
“Did you say we don’t want those jobs?” Hart asked.
“We don’t want jobs that create climate disasters and kill our residents,” Bhalla responded. “So no, we don’t want those jobs.”
The comments quickly drew criticism from Republicans, who argued that Bhalla was dismissing the economic impact of losing large employers and thousands of associated jobs.
Republicans seize on remarks
The New Jersey Assembly Republican caucus highlighted the exchange on social media, writing:
“During yesterday’s Climate Superfund Act hearing, Dennis Hart noted that Chevron, Hess, Valero and Sunoco all left New Jersey. @RaviBhalla’s response? ‘Good.'”
Republicans have argued that environmental litigation and regulatory policies could discourage investment and increase costs for consumers.
During the hearing, Hart warned that expenses associated with environmental settlements and climate-related regulations could ultimately be passed along to residents.
“Believe me, those costs will get passed on to consumers,” Hart said.
Bhalla challenged the assertion and repeatedly asked for evidence supporting those claims.
“I should just believe you?” Bhalla responded. “You’ve provided no evidence.”
Debate reflects broader climate policy divide
The exchange underscores a broader political debate in New Jersey over balancing environmental policy, economic development and energy-sector employment.
Supporters of aggressive climate initiatives argue the state should transition away from fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy industries. Critics contend that policies targeting traditional energy companies risk driving jobs and investment out of New Jersey while increasing costs for residents.
The Climate Superfund Act remains under consideration by lawmakers.
