Garden State Times

Senator Holly Schepisi strongly criticized a plan approved by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to electrify homes and businesses, warning of overreaching mandates and costly consequences. Schepisi expressed her concerns, stating, "Despite significant pushback, the BPU is forging ahead with the Murphy administration's radical plan to phase out the natural gas used in millions of New Jersey homes and businesses." She further emphasized, "New Jerseyans cannot afford the $1.4 trillion price tag of an extreme energy plan that will leave them with fewer options and significantly higher electric bills."

The BPU's approval of the "building decarbonization" plan marks the first step in Governor Murphy's electrification efforts. This plan includes banning gas stoves and appliances, aligning with recent mandates such as the prohibition of future gas car sales. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is also contemplating changes to building codes that would prohibit new natural gas hookups and mandate the use of fully electric appliances in existing buildings.

Schepisi criticized Governor Murphy's approach, accusing him of disregarding the financial burden on New Jersey families. She stated, "Governor Murphy doesn't care how many tens of thousands of dollars it will cost New Jersey families to convert their gas stoves, water heaters, and furnaces to fully electric appliances." Schepisi highlighted concerns about the lack of infrastructure to support such rapid and radical changes, accusing the administration of bypassing the Legislature to push forward its extreme energy agenda through agencies like the DCA and BPU.