Gas Stove Emissions Awareness: NJ 101.5 Radio ·
NJ Dept. Environmental Protection · NJ Board
Public Utilities · New Jersey Natural Gas · AsapSCIENCE.com
Source: NJ Spotlight News
A state agency has taken an initial step towards electrifying the building sector, a move shaping up as the most contentious clean-energy initiative yet launched by the Murphy administration.
In a specially called meeting, the New Jersey Board of Utilities adopted a framework to begin moving residential and commercial buildings away from using fossil fuels. That’s the second-largest source of climate-change emissions in New Jersey. Primarily, the program involves encouraging owners to voluntarily switch from using fossil fuels for heating and cooling to using electric heat pumps.
The action swiftly drew criticism from business groups and bipartisan opposition from lawmakers, triggering an angry outburst from BPU President Joseph Fiordaliso who lashed out at foes for spreading misinformation about the proposal.
“We’re not requiring or mandating anyone to give up their gas stove,” Fiordaliso said. “We’re not coming for your gas stove. Enough of the misinformation out there.”
But critics say the program will eventually lead to overreaching mandates and costly bans of affordable natural gas stoves and appliances. “Gov. Murphy doesn’t care how many tens of thousands of dollars it will cost New Jersey families to convert their gas stoves, water heaters and furnaces to fully electric appliances or that New Jersey does not have the infrastructure to support such rapid and radical changes,’’ said Sen. Holly Schepisi (R-Bergen).
Clean-energy advocates defended the proposal. “The future of home heating is electrification,’’ said Doug O’Malley, director of Environment New Jersey. “It is a right first step toward moving away from burning fossil fuels in our homes. It’s not a mandate. It provides financial incentives to move away from fossil fuels.’’