Sponsor of measure promoting renewable gas to heat homes says bill needs work
Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak (D-Middlesex)
By Tom Johnson, NJ Spotlight
A bill aimed at promoting the use of renewable gas failed to win approval from a legislative committee on Thursday after hours of debate over whether it would advance the state’s clean energy agenda.
The legislation (A-577), kicked around by lawmakers over the past few years, is viewed by proponents as a way to diversify energy supplies as New Jersey moves to transition away from fossil fuels, and still retain the value of billions of dollars invested in utility infrastructure.
But clean energy advocates and others argued the bill would extend the use of natural gas at a time when the climate crisis is worsening, expose the public to increased health risks, and boost energy bills to customers. The Legislature also is engaged in a push to pass a bill requiring renewable energy to produce all of the state’s electricity by 2035.
Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak (D-Middlesex), sponsor of the bill, acknowledged the measure needed more work at the beginning of the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee. Although neither testified publicly, both the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and state Division of Rate Counsel voiced concerns in letters that asked the committee to hold the bill.
“This is what we need whether it is a permanent energy source, or just an interim source,’’ Karabinchak said, echoing arguments made by labor and business interests, as well as utility executives. The state’s gas utilities are exploring using renewable natural gas from sewage treatment plants, landfills, and agricultural activities as a source of biogas.
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