TRENTON, N.J. — Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco accused New Jersey Democrats of deflecting blame for rising energy costs, arguing that their policies have driven up prices and jeopardized reliability.
Bucco’s comments came in response to a leaked memo in which Democrats reportedly blamed Republicans, utility companies, and regulatory agencies for impending electricity rate hikes. New Jersey residents are expected to see a 20% increase in electric bills this summer, following previous spikes last year.
“This leaked memo from Democrats highlights the self-serving nature of today’s politics,” Bucco said. “It’s appalling that Democrats are attempting to shift the blame onto others, rather than confronting their own failed policies that have led us to this crisis.”
Bucco argued that Republican lawmakers have long advocated for a balanced energy policy that prioritizes affordability and reliability alongside environmental goals. He criticized Democrats for pushing an “extreme” Energy Master Plan (EMP), first introduced by Governor Phil Murphy in 2019, which he claims destabilized the power grid and increased costs.
At a recent Senate Oversight hearing, a Democratic senator warned of public outrage over the rising energy bills, saying, “There’s going to be thousands of people with pitchforks and tar looking to tar and feather whoever they think is responsible for this.” Bucco responded by saying Democrats should “look in the mirror” for the consequences of their policies.
In March 2024, Bucco and Sen. Tiver introduced the “Energy Security and Affordability Act,” which would require the Board of Public Utilities to consider energy security, diversity, and affordability when preparing the state’s Energy Master Plan. The bill also calls for an economic impact analysis of energy projects.