The New Jersey State Association of Pipe Trades announced today they will join the Fuel Merchants Association and the New Jersey Propane Gas Association in a campaign against Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed electrification mandates.
“The livelihood of our members is at stake from the Murphy administration’s energy policies that allow for only one choice, electrification, to reduce greenhouse gasses,” said Mike Maloney, the union head. “There are other reduction pathways, such as hydrogen and renewable natural gas, that will cost far less than electrification. What’s more, the unaffordability of electrification-only is something that no working middle-class family can afford.”
In the same announcement, the campaign released their first digital ad, which was financed by all three associations. The ad will play on multiple digital platforms over the next few months.
The ad claims that Murphy wants to ban gas stoves, gas heat, and gas cars; it then implores individuals to tell their legislators to oppose the Administration’s proposals.
“There is a growing consensus, Democrat and Republican, business and labor, in short, a cross-section of New Jersey, that is speaking out on the need for pushback against the Governor’s ‘electrify everything’ agenda,” said Eric DeGesaro, of the Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey and the New Jersey Propane Gas Association. “New Jersey consumers deserve a choice in how they heat their homes, cook their food, and drive their cars.”
The Murphy Administration, however, has largely stood by their proposals and has doubled down on their belief that their policies are essential to making New Jersey’s economy greener.
Although the Administration has pushed back on claims about banning gas stoves, they have remained committed to banning all new-gas-powered cars by 2035, and have pointed to a tax-rebate program as making electric vehicles affordable for consumers.
Republicans are increasingly viewing energy and affordability as two issues that can give them significant electoral dividends. It remains to be seen which party has stronger messaging on these issues, and whether voters are motivated by them.