TRENTON, NJ — Republican Senators Michael Testa and Carmen Amato, Jr. sharply criticized New Jersey Democrats on Friday during a committee hearing focused on the state’s rising energy costs.
Sen. Testa accused Democrats of pushing an “Energy Disaster Plan,” claiming their aggressive energy mandates were unrealistic and have led directly to skyrocketing bills for New Jersey families. “Democrats gambled on an Energy Disaster Plan that was utopian in ideas but dystopian in results,” said Testa during the hearing. “Now, with energy bills skyrocketing and public outrage escalating, Democrats are scrambling to shift blame and point fingers to save face in an election year.”
Key Points
- Sen. Testa and Sen. Amato blame Democrats for energy policy failures driving up costs.
- Republicans have introduced the “Energy Security and Affordability Act” to stabilize the grid and control rates.
- Testa also introduced legislation to abolish the NJ Board of Public Utilities.
Sen. Amato echoed Testa’s remarks, saying Democrats’ focus on alternative energy has backfired. “They bet on alternative energy sources and lost, and now families and businesses are facing massive rate hikes,” said Amato. He added that instead of accepting responsibility, Democrats are “playing the blame game to distract from their own failures.”
In response to the crisis, Senate Republicans highlighted the introduction of the “Energy Security and Affordability Act.” The bill would require the Board of Public Utilities to factor energy security, diversity, and affordability into the Energy Master Plan and mandate economic and ratepayer impact studies before approving energy projects.
GOP initiatives aim to reform energy oversight
Sen. Testa also introduced separate legislation, S-4285, calling for the abolition of the NJ Board of Public Utilities. He argued that the agency has failed its duty to protect consumers amid the escalating energy crisis.
Meanwhile, Sen. Amato has pushed for the return of energy sales tax surpluses to New Jersey ratepayers, aiming to provide immediate financial relief to households grappling with surging utility bills.
Republican plan seeks to protect New Jersey consumers
Republican lawmakers said they remain committed to advocating for affordable and reliable energy, as concerns mount across the state about economic pressures tied to energy policies.
Tensions ran high as lawmakers sparred over responsibility for the soaring rates and how best to stabilize New Jersey’s energy future.