Senator Paul Sarlo, chairman of the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee, has called for a more balanced energy policy in New Jersey. In an op-ed published on NJ.com, Sarlo urged the state to include natural gas and nuclear power alongside renewable sources to maintain reliable and affordable energy.
Sarlo pointed out that New Jersey currently imports between 30% and 40% of its electricity from other states because local power supplies are declining while demand continues to grow. He praised Governor Mikie Sherrill’s recent executive orders that focus on developing new power generation within the state.
“There is clear recognition that we need to work together quickly to right the supply-demand imbalance in our energy system and embrace an all-of-the-above strategy,” Sarlo said. “With this approach, energy can be a unifying priority, rather than a divisive issue.”
He also referenced public opinion polls showing that most residents prefer an energy policy that combines natural gas with renewables over one relying solely on renewables due to concerns about higher costs. According to Sarlo, neighboring states such as New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania have already adopted similar diversified strategies in response to rising utility rates.
“Industry experts recognize natural gas as a critical component of an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and it’s time our energy policy returns to that mindset,” he said. “Over 70% of Jersey homes use natural gas for heating, and about half of our electricity comes from it, too.
“By committing to a diversified energy approach that keeps resources affordable and accessible for all, we can advance our climate goals in a way that’s both sustainable and realistic,” Sarlo added.
The full op-ed is available at NJ.com.
