TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities approved the framework of an incentive program, the next step in Gov. Phil Murphy’s clean energy master plan, aimed at getting people to switch their appliances from gas to electric.
This phase of Murphy’s plan to be emissions free by 2035 would provide incentives for homeowners to buy electric appliances and reduce usage of fossil fuels.
“We are not coming for your gas stove,” said BPU President Joseph Fiordaliso.
The board approved the framework of a plan to provide incentives — not requirements, he emphasized — for people to switch from gas to electric appliances.
“This program is about giving people more choices and more chances to create a more sustainable and more affordable energy future.”
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But state Sen. Anthony Bucco, R-Morris County, doesn’t buy it. He believes this will inevitably lead to gas stove bans and costly conversions.
“There’s no way that the governor can continue with this extreme policy without mandating the switch over from gas to electric. There’s just no way it can happen,” Bucco said.
There have been critics on both sides of the aisle, but Fiordaliso said opponents like Bucco, who say the state is out to ban gas stoves and eliminate choice among consumers, are spreading lies and misinformation.
He said if this were a ban on gas stoves, he’d likely be thrown out of his own house.
“We are not forcing you, anyone, to do anything in any way,” Fiordaliso said.
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But Bucco says Murphy is forcing theaa agenda through unelected bureaucrats without legislative oversight or approval.
“If it’s allowed to be done through state agencies and state departments, the public will be shut out of the process,” Bucco said.
The board’s approval of the plan framework still needs final approval before it can be implemented at the start of next year.