The state Board of Public Utilities last week approved a new framework that will incentivize residents to replace their natural gas home appliances with electric alternatives. The Murphy administration is touting that move as an important step to decarbonizing buildings in the state and tackling a major source of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to worsening climate change.
Slashing greenhouse gas emissions is critical to preventing the worst scenarios of climate change from coming to fruition. The move comes after months of vehement rhetoric from some state lawmakers who oppose any rules that would ban natural gas in buildings. That opposition has come largely from Republicans, but also from Democrats like state Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth) who prioritize affordability concerns over Gov. Phil Murphy’s clean-energy aspirations.
BPU President Joseph Fiordaliso has been adamant that the new framework is not mandating anything, but critics say they fear such a policy looms.
