As New Jersey faces escalating challenges, state senators are intensifying their calls for urgent action on two critical fronts: forest fire prevention and energy cost reform.
By Frank Brill, EnviroPolitics Editor, April 23, 2025
In the wake of massive wildfires devastating New Jersey, Senators Parker Space (R-24) and Latham Tiver (R-8) are urging the Senate Environment and Energy Committee, where Democrats hold a majority, to convene a hearing with state and local officials to address forest management practices.
Despite their formal request in February, no hearing has been scheduled.
“Abnormally high winds and dry conditions have significantly increased the risk of wildfires,” said Sen. Space. “Our hearts go out to the thousands of residents forced to evacuate and the brave fire servicemembers battling the flames. These fires highlight the urgent need to reassess and strengthen our forest management strategies.”
A massive wildfire in Ocean County’s Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area has already consumed 12,500 acres, forcing evacuations under a state of emergency. Days earlier, another fire in Cumberland County’s Peaslee Wildlife Management Area burned over 1,300 acres.
Sen. Tiver emphasized the need for immediate action: “While discussions about food waste (the topic of discussion today in the state legislature’s joint environmental committees) are important, we cannot delay addressing an issue that is literally burning before our eyes. It’s time for the Legislature, the Governor, and the DEP to step up and confront this escalating threat head-on.”
Energy Costs: A Call for Accountability
Meanwhile, at today’s New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) hearing, the board approved a staff recommendation for public electric utility companies to propose measures to defer energy bill increases until after the election. Senators Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) and Michael Testa (R-01) criticized the move as a political gimmick.
“It’s a five-alarm fire in the Democrat Party to contain the fallout of their costly, failing energy policies,” said Sen. Bucco. “This isn’t relief; it’s a smokescreen. New Jerseyans need accountability, transparency, and real reform—not more political theater.”
Sen. Testa echoed these sentiments, calling the BPU’s actions “dishonest and irresponsible.” He recently introduced legislation (S-4285) to abolish the NJBPU, arguing that the agency has failed to protect consumers. Senate Republicans have also proposed the “Energy Security and Affordability Act” (S-2839) to prioritize in-state energy sources and require economic impact analyses for energy projects.
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