At her Monday press conference announcing her multi billion dollar new nuclear power plant subsidy program, Gov. Sherrill bragged about her efforts to make energy more affordable, specifically by sending $25 “credit” checks to 3.6 million households
By Bill Wolfe, Wolfenotes
I stopped my inaugural address to sign two Executive Orders. The first declared a state of emergency on utility costs and froze rate hikes. My Administration issued credits for all 3.6 million NJ ratepayers to help them keep up with electric bills this summer.
In the midst of another record-breaking 100+-degree climate-driven extreme weather event – where you’re probably consuming more than $25 today to run the AC – how’s that credit working for you?
Are you able to “keep up with electric bills this summer”?
The Gov. is supporting a multi-billion nuclear construction program, while she tosses the people of NJ $25 crumbs.
Worse, the Gov. did not raise taxes on record-profit-making energy corporations, carbon polluters, or rich people to provide the funds for the checks she just sent to you.
The governor stole money from the proceeds of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), over $650 million just this year. Her DEP issued a RGGI “Strategic Plan”to divert another $900 million over the rest of Sherrill’s term.
That RGGI money is supposed to be invested in cheaper renewable energy and energy conservation programs that reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Lower energy consumption and cheaper renewable power lead to lower electric bills.
By stealing that RGGI money for a cheap political stunt too create the false impression of “freezing electric rates”, the Governor is increasing both energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions.
That is exactly the wrong path.