Senator Parker Space, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, and Assemblyman Mike Inganamort, all Republicans representing New Jersey’s 24th Legislative District, have criticized state Democrats for their approach to energy policy. Their statements follow a POLITICO report indicating that Democratic lawmakers are working to codify existing energy policies 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 POLITICO article cited an unnamed official from the Murphy administration who described this as the “right moment” to pass S237—a bill that would make current energy policies law.
“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 detailing Democratic talking points suggested blame would be placed on PJM—the regional transmission organization—and Republicans despite their minority status over the past eight years. The memo did not address issues of accountability for rising costs or recent policy outcomes.
“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.”
