Former NJ Senate President Stephen Sweeney Reacts to Energy Report from Governor Mikie Sherrill’s Transition Action Team

(Trenton, NJ) – Former New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney, the New Jersey state chairman for Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future, issued the following statement about the energy report released by Governor Mikie Sherrill’s Transition Action Team:

“The report released by the Sherrill-Caldwell Transition Action Team, Making Energy More Affordable and Reliable, highlights the imminent affordability and reliability challenges affecting New Jersey’s energy system. We can all agree that New Jersey’s electrical grid is facing unprecedented demand, and we need to take immediate action to maintain reliability and stabilize energy costs. 

The Action Team’s report recommends protecting existing generating units and building more baseload generation to correct the supply-demand imbalance in New Jersey – but I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight that natural gas will play a continued and important role in maintaining grid stability. It will be essential for the administration to pursue an all-of-the-above approach that includes natural gas, renewables, and nuclear power. Energy experts have long recognized the critical role natural gas plays in a balanced energy strategy, but historically, policy has not reflected that reality.

During Winter Storm Fern in January, renewable sources such as solar and wind were largely unavailable, forcing the grid to rely on other sources during peak demand. In New Jersey, 25-30% of our power was being supplied by midwestern coal plants, demonstrating how a lack of reliable, in-state generation leaves New Jersey dependent on higher-emission power sources. 

We cannot continue to waste time chasing unattainable energy strategies that don’t prioritize a comprehensive, all-of-the-above approach. The Action Team’s report is a positive first step toward securing New Jersey’s energy future, but the role natural gas serves is an important part of that and will continue to serve in supporting reliability and protecting ratepayers. I urge my former Senate colleagues and the entire legislature to partner with Governor Sherrill to embrace a pragmatic energy strategy that allows natural gas and renewables to work together to ensure New Jersey families and businesses are comfortable year-round.”