Smart Heat NJ Applauds Nearly Unanimous Senate Vote to Stop Murphy Electrification Mandate

Today, the New Jersey Senate passed Senate Bill 4133, which prohibits the State from mandating the installation of electricity as the sole or primary means to heat space or water until public hearings are conducted and a report is issued by the Department of Community Affairs to the Governor and Legislature.

Jeanette Hoffman, spokeswoman for Smart Heat NJ, issued the following statement.

“Today the New Jersey Senate made their position clear regarding the Energy Master Plan’s requirement to retrofit all homes and business with electric heat – they said no. By an overwhelming 35-3 vote, Senators sided with overburdened homeowners who don’t want to be forced to spend $20,000 or more to meet this mandate.

“While time in the 219^th Legislature expired before the bill could be considered by the General Assembly, we are hopeful the Assembly will see the legislation’s overwhelming bi-partisan support and will prioritize stopping this misguided proposal in the 220^th Legislature.

“S-4133 was supported by thousands of homeowners who contacted their legislators and urged support, as well as a broad coalition of contractors and organized labor in the HVAC industry who know the idea of retrofitting homes with electric heat is neither affordable nor practical. New Jersey residents  owe a huge thank you to Senators Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth), Steve Oroho (R-Sussex), and Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) for their leadership.”

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