“The governor’s plan would effectively end natural gas service in New Jersey; but, New Jerseyans need natural gas, which is an abundant, affordable, clean and reliable energy source,” said Webber (R-Morris). “Not only are 75 percent of our homes and businesses heated with natural gas, but about 50 percent of our electricity is generated from it. Natural gas also is critical as a raw material for manufacturing.”

“If the governor’s plans are carried out, the cost of energy, and therefore the cost of living, will rise dramatically for all New Jerseyans, including for seniors and the middle class whose backs the governor always promises to have,” continued Webber.

Webber said that one estimate shows that homeowners could be on the hook for anywhere between $6,000 and $25,000 just to upgrade or retrofit their homes to meet Murphy’s new rules.

“The governor’s plan is simply divorced from the everyday reality of average New Jerseyans,” concluded Webber. “To kill off natural gas in our state is to condemn us to a darker, dirtier, costlier, and less competitive future. His plan is unacceptable, and I call on both houses of the Legislature to block it immediately.”