Piperno, Eulner Criticize Costly Decarbonization Mandate

Short-sighted decision burdens homeowners and limits consumer choices, say Monmouth County Assemblywomen.

Following yesterday’s special Board of Public Utilities vote on a series of  “decarbonization” measures, including transitioning millions of residents away from natural gas and gasoline to electricity for heating and transportation, Assemblywomen Marilyn Piperno and Kim Eulner released the following statement:

“We are deeply disappointed with the BPU’s short-sighted decision to approve such overreaching decarbonization measures.”

“Replacing natural gas heating systems with electric heat pumps would be incredibly expensive for homeowners and financially burden businesses across the state. Such an excessive mandate would particularly affect low-income households who cannot afford the costs, leading to more financial hardship for struggling families.”

“Additionally, shifting to electric vehicles by 2035, as part of Governor Murphy’s Master Energy Plan, will significantly limit consumer choices and make new cars unaffordable for working-class and middle-class individuals. As a result, this will also substantially harm the automotive industry, its employees, and the economy.”

“There are better ways to address climate change that are more balanced and effective. Instead of imposing costly mandates, the focus should be on encouraging innovation and supporting the development of affordable and reliable clean energy technologies.”

The assemblywomen are pushing for statewide legislative action to provide residents with reliable and affordable access to New Jersey’s cost-effective, sustainable energy sources, including renewable natural gas, nuclear power, geothermal heat pump systems, community solar programs, and ocean energy.

In doing so, they seek to ensure residents have reliable and affordable options without putting an extra financial strain on homeowners or limiting consumer options.

Added Piperno and Eulner, “Ultimately, we recognize the importance of protecting the environment, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of the well-being and livelihoods of the people of New Jersey.”