TRENTON, N.J. — State Senator Jim Holzapfel on Tuesday condemned Trenton Democrats for voting down two Republican-backed amendments aimed at reducing energy costs and increasing oversight of New Jersey’s utility regulators.
The first proposal, introduced as an amendment to SJR-154, would have expanded a pending investigation into rising energy rates by including the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) as a subject of the review, rather than assigning the agency to lead it.
The second rejected amendment, tied to A-5466/S-4318, sought to eliminate the Societal Benefits Charge and sales tax fees on electricity bills during the summer months.
“In a blatant display of partisan politics, Trenton Democrats struck down comprehensive Republican proposals that would provide immediate financial relief to New Jersey’s beleaguered taxpayers,” Holzapfel said in a statement. “The BPU cannot be entrusted with investigating rising energy costs because they are part of the problem.”
Republican push for BPU accountability
Holzapfel accused the BPU of enabling rising costs by backing what he called extreme energy mandates and failed offshore wind initiatives championed by the Democratic majority over the past seven years.
As a next step, Holzapfel said he will move forward with SR-134, a resolution that would express no confidence in the BPU.
Both Republican amendments were dismissed in committee votes, with Democrats defending the existing legislative frameworks as adequate for addressing energy rate concerns.
The legislative battle comes as residents across New Jersey report higher utility bills heading into the summer season.
