New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Joseph Fiordaliso. (Photo: New Jersey AFL-CIO).
By David Wildstein, NJ Globe, September 07 2023 4:24 am
Joseph A. Fiordaliso, the president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and a fixture in New Jersey politics for two decades, died at his home suddenly on Wednesday evening. He was 78.
As a cabinet member, Fiordaliso was a key ally of Gov. Phil Murphy on clean energy issues. In July, Fiordaliso backed a measure to reduce the state’s dependency on natural gas and move toward expanded electrification over the next twelve years.
In a statement this morning, Murphy called Fiordaliso “a consummate public servant, a trusted colleague, and a good friend.”
“As President of the BPU since the beginning of my Administration, Joe skillfully led our work to responsibly transition to a clean energy economy while always putting the needs of consumers first. He also was a key figure in our storm response efforts and in ensuring that all New Jerseyans had access to critical services like clean water, electricity, and broadband. And, as a former three-time Mayor of Livingston and member of the Township Council, he was a dedicated member of his community,” Murphy said. “Every time you saw Joe, he was wearing his signature offshore wind pin or handing one out to anyone and everyone he met. He had an infectious personality and generous spirit. Tammy and I will miss his wise counsel and friendship. May he Rest in Peace.”
Fiordaliso launched his political career in 1988, winning an open seat on the Livingston Township Council. Livingston voters supported Republicans George H.W. Bush for president and Dean Gallo for Congress, but also Democratic U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg. Fiordaliso led Republican Steve Rockoff by 2,248 votes in an election that flipped two council seats.
If you liked this post, you’ll love our daily environmental newsletter, EnviroPolitics. It’s packed daily with the latest news, commentary, and legislative updates from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware…and beyond. Don’t take our word for it, try it free for an entire month. No obligation.
I
