New Jersey LCV Responds to Governor Sherrill’s First Budget Address: Applauds Commitment to Clean Energy Capacity While Urging Continuing Environmental Investments

Following Governor Mikie Sherrill’s inaugural budget address, New Jersey LCV released the following statement regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

Statement from Allison McLeod, Interim Executive Director of New Jersey LCV:

Governor Sherrill has inherited an incredibly challenging budget landscape. The extreme policies coming out of the Trump administration — including drastic cuts to health care, SNAP and other essential programs — are trickling down to the state level. These federal retreats don't just raise prices for working families. They are driving a structural deficit that the Governor is now forced to confront head-on.

Despite these headwinds, we applaud the Governor for doubling down on her commitment to lower energy prices for New Jersey’s working families by boosting clean energy produced with union labor right here in New Jersey. We know that renewable energy isn’t just good for the planet — it’s essential for combating skyrocketing energy costs that are going even higher.

Furthermore, the Governor’s continued investment in our electric grid and water infrastructure is a win for both the environment and affordability. Modernizing our grid allows us to scale solar and renewable energy — the cheapest forms of power available — while ensuring reliability. Simultaneously, increasing state support for water infrastructure helps shield families from crushing rate hikes as we perform the critical work of removing lead and bringing aging systems into the 21st century.

Transportation costs are continuing to rise, and geopolitical instability is causing prices to soar at the pump. We are therefore encouraged by the Governor’s investment in NJTransit, which will increase low-cost mobility options for working families while taking cars off the road. We urge the administration to dedicate these investments to fleet electrification and infrastructure upgrades to ensure those savings, and the improvements in air quality and public health, are achieved for the long-term.

With federal environmental protections being rolled back to enrich billionaires, a well-resourced New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is more vital than ever to position New Jersey as an environmental leader. We are encouraged to see the Governor prioritize the staffing and technology needed to hold polluters accountable and safeguard our air and water.

We encourage the Governor and the legislature to continue the investments in resources that will improve long-term affordability.  In order to provide cheaper, cleaner electricity for New Jersey in the long term, we must use RGGI proceeds to invest in clean energy and energy efficiency programming. In addition, we call for investments in electrifying transportation, the number one source of emissions in New Jersey. EVs save families thousands of dollars in fuel and maintenance annually, in addition to the air quality improvements from transitioning to electric vehicles.

This budget address is only the beginning. We look forward to working with Governor Sherrill and the Legislature throughout the coming months to ensure that the final budget prioritizes the environment, public health, and the wallets of New Jersey’s working families.

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