SENATE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR ACKNOWLEDGES THE NEED TO STUDY THE COST OF ELECTRIFICATION

DeGesero: Senator Smith Commended for Recognizing the Need to Study Cost 

of Some Electrification Legislation 

Before Mandating It; 

Urged to Do So with the Cost of All Electrification Mandate Legislation 

For Immediate Release: May 15, 2023

Eric DeGesero, on behalf of the Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey and New Jersey Propane Gas Association, issued the following statement regarding today’s release of Senate Bill 3793 from the Senate Environment Committee.  This legislation directs the BPU to conduct a study to determine the feasibility, marketability, and costs of implementing large-scale geothermal heat pump systems in State.

“In one week Senator Smith has introduced and released from his committee Senate Bill 3793, legislation that requires the BPU to study and report recommendations to the Legislature for its delegation of authority to Governor Murphy, prior to the Governor mandating the installation of some heat pumps. This is in direct contravention to two other bills of his, Senate Bill 1602 and Senate Bill 3672, which are sweeping delegations of legislative authority to the Governor, whereby he can mandate the installation of all types of heat pumps without knowing the costs to New Jersey residents, businesses, and homeowners.

“Senator Smith is to be commended for recognizing the need for a study of and request for Legislative authorization by Governor Murphy prior to his mandating any heat pump installation. Following this logic, Senator Smith is urged to support bi-partisan Senate Bill 2671 (Gopal/Schepisi) which mirrors the  ‘study’ first, ‘request’ a delegation of legislative authority next, and finally, if granted, ‘receive’ a delegation of legislative authority, approach of his Senate Bill 3793.”

######