Former NJ Senate President and State Chairman for Natural Allies Stephen Sweeney Responds to Governor Mikie Sherrill’s First Budget Address
| (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 following Governor Mikie Sherrill’s first budget address:
“Governor Mikie Sherrill’s budget address highlights the serious affordability challenges facing New Jersey, including rising energy and utility costs. With the state facing a significant budget shortfall, it’s clear the administration and my former colleagues in the legislature will need to make difficult decisions in the months ahead. While policymakers work to control spending and make New Jersey more affordable, the administration should prioritize policies that ensure our state has access to reliable and affordable energy. New Jersey’s electricity demand is growing, and maintaining a stable, resilient grid will be essential to supporting our economy and protecting ratepayers. Governor Sherrill also highlighted the importance of expanding energy supply, including modernizing natural gas facilities, exploring new nuclear opportunities, and growing solar and battery capacity. That kind of balanced approach is exactly what we need to power New Jersey. It is more important than ever to pursue a pragmatic, all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes natural gas, renewables, and nuclear power working together. Natural gas continues to play an important role in keeping the lights on and the heat running when other energy sources aren’t available, and helps maintain the reliability and stability of our grid. As the budget process moves forward, I encourage the administration and the legislature to work together to advance practical energy policies that protect affordability, strengthen reliability, and ensure New Jersey families and businesses have access to the dependable energy they need year-round.” ### |
