Senator Parker Space, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, and Assemblyman Mike Inganamort, all Republicans representing New Jersey’s 24th Legislative District, criticized Democratic lawmakers for advancing energy policies they describe as ineffective. Their statements come after a POLITICO report indicated that Democrats plan to solidify current energy strategies into law before Governor Phil Murphy leaves office.
“What New Jersey is facing isn’t just an energy crisis, it is a consequence of bad policy,” said Sen. Space. “For seven years, New Jersey Democrats have pushed a failed energy agenda that weakened our energy grid and drove electric bills through the roof. Now, instead of admitting their mistake and changing course, Democrats are doubling down, rushing to lock in their disastrous scheme before Murphy leaves office. It’s reckless, it’s wrong, and I was proud to vote no on S237.”
The referenced POLITICO article noted that an official from the Murphy administration described this as the “right moment” to pass S237—a bill intended to make existing energy policies permanent.
“New Jerseyans are rightfully outraged about their energy bills skyrocketing,” said Asw. Fantasia. “We already pay some of the highest taxes in the nation, and now these hyper-partisan policies threaten the ability of families and small businesses to stay afloat. Seniors are cutting back on food and prescriptions just to keep the lights on, and low-income families are struggling to make ends meet with New Jersey’s high cost of living. This last-ditch effort from Democrats is tone deaf and a slap in the face to every hard-working man and woman in the Garden State.”
A leaked memo outlining Democratic talking points reportedly indicated plans to assign blame for rising costs to PJM—the regional transmission organization—and Republicans despite their minority status over the past eight years.
“Republicans have put forward real solutions to lower electric bills and boost our energy supply, but Democrats refuse to listen,” said Asm. Inganamort. “Instead, they want to abandon our power grid, push gimmicks that are disguised as relief, and try to lock in the same failed policies that have driven up costs in the first place. It is insane how high energy bills have gotten—but what’s even more insane is watching Democrats double down and expect a different result.”
