Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco has criticized Governor Murphy’s recent Executive Actions, which aim to tackle the increasing electricity prices in New Jersey. In a statement, Sen. Bucco expressed concerns that the governor’s plan relies too heavily on renewable energy mandates that have previously increased costs and weakened grid reliability.
“Senate Republicans are always ready to consider serious proposals that would actually lower energy costs for New Jersey families and businesses, but the Governor’s latest plan misses the mark,” said Sen. Bucco. He also noted that the proposed assistance programs do not include middle-class families and suggested that delaying higher electric bills until after elections is a political maneuver.
Bucco has long supported an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, emphasizing affordability, reliability, and sustainability without compromising economic competitiveness. In March 2024, he introduced the ‘Energy Security and Affordability Act’ aimed at improving energy costs and protecting consumers from future rate hikes approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU).
“The Governor can claim he wants to bring more power generation online—a welcomed suggestion Republicans have been pushing for years—but the fact remains that his own failed policies have chased out reliable sources, like natural gas,” Bucco stated. He called for a balanced approach with a diversified energy portfolio instead of expensive production options.
In April, Bucco criticized Trenton Democrats for attempting to delay political repercussions of Democrat-led energy bill increases. Additionally, in March he accused Democrats of trying to shift blame for rising energy bills caused by their policies.
Last September, Sen. Bucco authored an op-ed advocating for New Jersey to adopt a balanced energy strategy using a mix of natural gas, nuclear power, and renewables.
