District 24 lawmakers criticize Democratic energy legislation plans ahead of Gov. Murphy’s departure

TRENTON, N.J. — Members of the 24th Legislative District issued strong criticism this week in response to a POLITICO report that New Jersey Democrats plan to codify energy policies into law before Gov. Phil Murphy leaves office.

Senator Parker Space, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, and Assemblyman Mike Inganamort (all R-24) released a joint statement Tuesday, citing concerns over the state’s energy strategy and rising electric bills.

“What New Jersey is facing isn’t just an energy crisis, it is a consequence of bad policy,” said 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.”

According to POLITICO, a Murphy administration official said they feel this is the “right moment” to pass S237, a bill that would formalize components of the state’s clean energy transition.

“New Jerseyans are rightfully outraged about their energy bills skyrocketing,” said 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.”

The lawmakers also referenced a leaked internal memo outlining Democratic energy talking points, which they claim avoided accountability.

“Republicans have put forward real solutions to lower electric bills and boost our energy supply, but Democrats refuse to listen,” said 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.”