Former New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney Joins Natural Allies Leadership Council
Steve Sweeney joins the coalition of national leaders promoting a balanced, all-of-the-above energy future
Trenton, NJ – Former New Jersey Senate President and current First General Vice President of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers, Stephen Sweeney, announced today that he will serve as New Jersey state chairman for Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future. Natural Allies is a coalition of labor and energy advocates advancing a bipartisan approach to energy policy, recognizing that climate, reliability and affordability are all connected.
Sweeney, the longest serving Senate President in New Jersey history, will lead the New Jersey chapter of Natural Allies, expanding efforts to advance an all-of-the-above energy strategy that delivers critically needed, reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy for New Jersey families and businesses.
Sweeney will work alongside national Leadership Council members, former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA), former Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH), former Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-FL), former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter (D), and former Governor Terry McAuliffe (D-VA) to bring practical solutions that advance the vital partnership between natural gas and renewable energy to reach our collective climate goals.
“New Jersey’s energy landscape is at a critical crossroads, with prices soaring, projects stalling, and families struggling to keep up with their utility bills,” said former New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney. “Throughout my time in public service, I’ve worked to strengthen New Jersey’s energy policies and protect consumers from rising costs. Our state leadership needs to adopt an all-of-the-above energy strategy that ensures reliability and affordability, and I’m proud to be part of the charge to advocate for these common-sense solutions. I’m honored to join the Natural Allies Leadership Council and to lead the coalition’s efforts here in New Jersey to promote an energy future that works for everyone – especially hardworking families in our state.”
Before starting his career in public service, Sweeney was a longtime union ironworker who rose through the ranks of organized labor, now serving as First General Vice President of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers. Sweeney served as President of the New Jersey State Senate from 2010 to 2022, making him the longest-serving Senate President in state history. He led major initiatives to expand economic opportunity, strengthen infrastructure, and modernize New Jersey’s energy policies. During his recent campaign for New Jersey Governor, Sweeney warned of the growing energy affordability crisis and underscored the need to protect consumers from skyrocketing costs.
“Steve Sweeney is a proven leader who understands that energy policy has to work for working people,” said former Congressman Tim Ryan, Natural Allies Leadership Council Co-Chair. “He shares our vision for a path to a cleaner future that includes good union jobs, strong infrastructure, and policies that keep energy affordable. His experience in New Jersey will be invaluable to bring together labor, business, and policymakers to find real solutions.”
In New Jersey, 73% of households rely on natural gas for home energy use, and more than half of the state’s electricity is generated from it. Natural gas is essential to ensure reliable, affordable power while driving down emissions. Paired with renewables, natural gas provides the stability needed to meet energy demand at any time, keeping the lights on and the heat running whether or not the sun is shining or the wind is blowing.
“Our Leadership Council is made up of pragmatic leaders who know how to get things done – and Steve Sweeney is no exception,” said Susan Waller, Executive Director, Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future. “His ability to bridge labor, business, and government will be critical as New Jersey advances a balanced energy strategy.”
“Steve Sweeney represents the kind of solutions-oriented leadership our energy future demands, especially in a state that has some of the highest energy costs in the nation,” said former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, Natural Allies Leadership Council Co-Chair. “We’re proud to welcome him to Natural Allies and partner on efforts to promote policies that make electricity reliable and affordable for families in New Jersey and around the country.”
Sweeney’s appointment underscores his lifelong commitment to practical problem-solving and economic fairness. He has consistently championed balanced, consumer-first energy policies to keep up with New Jersey’s growing demand. From natural gas and nuclear power to renewable energy, Sweeney recognizes that utilizing a diverse mix of energy sources is the key to building a resilient energy future that supports growth and opportunity in New Jersey.
###
About Steve Sweeney
Stephen Sweeney began his career with Local 399 in Camden, NJ, joining in 1977 and becoming a journeyman in 1980. He rose through the ranks as Financial Secretary-Treasurer and Business Agent, later serving as a general organizer for both the Philadelphia and Northern New Jersey District Councils. In 2015 he became General Vice President, serving as First General Vice President through 2025, consistently demonstrating deep commitment to workers and the labor movement.
A longtime public servant, Sweeney represented South Jersey in the State Senate from 2002 to 2022, including 12 years as Senate President. He previously served as a Gloucester County Commissioner and Director, where he built a reputation as a consensus-builder focused on practical solutions for New Jersey families.
Sweeney is also recognized as a leader in statewide energy policy. He drove major expansions in solar development—growing New Jersey’s capacity from 250 MWp to nearly 4,500 MWp—by stabilizing the SREC program and encouraging redevelopment of landfills and brownfields. He authored the Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Credit program, enabling more than 5,000 MW of planned offshore wind, and championed New Jersey’s involvement in RGGI to support efficiency and emissions reductions.
Guided by an “all-of-the-above” energy philosophy, Sweeney promoted a balanced strategy that includes natural gas, nuclear, and renewables. He advanced legislation that preserved the state’s three nuclear reactors—powering over 3.8 million homes—and supported natural gas infrastructure, including the pipeline to the BL England plant. As Gloucester County Freeholder Director, he also oversaw development of the 738-MW LS Power Plant in West Deptford. Throughout his career, Sweeney has prioritized reliability, affordability, and sustainability in meeting New Jersey’s energy needs.
