photo Anthony M. Bucco (R-25)
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
TRENTON, NJ — Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) has publicly supported former BPU Commissioner Mary-Anna Holden, echoing her concerns about New Jersey’s faltering energy policy under Democratic leadership in Trenton. The sharp critique highlights rising energy costs, grid instability, and the financial burden on hardworking families due to an overreliance on renewable energy mandates.
🌬️ The Core Issue: Renewable-Only Mandates Backfiring
In a recent op-ed, former BPU Commissioner Mary-Anna Holden sounded the alarm on the state’s aggressive push for wind and solar power, warning that this “renewables-only” strategy is jeopardizing New Jersey’s energy grid and driving utility bills sky-high.
Senator Bucco strongly agreed, stating:
“Commissioner Holden is absolutely right. New Jersey’s energy policy has gone completely off the rails under Trenton’s sole Democrat rule—and hardworking families are paying the price.”
🔥 Natural Gas & Nuclear Left Out of the Equation
Bucco and Holden both criticized Governor Phil Murphy’s refusal to support natural gas infrastructure and his administration’s billion-dollar investment in now-struggling offshore wind projects. They argue that a politically driven energy agenda is leading to:
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Grid reliability issues
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Energy price spikes for residents and businesses
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Infrastructure delays and failures
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Wasted taxpayer and ratepayer dollars
“The Energy Master Plan is not grounded in reality—it’s pure ideological pandering,” Bucco said.
⚠️ Voter Backlash & Survey Data
Recent polling reflects widespread public frustration. According to a statewide survey:
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63% of voters favor a balanced energy strategy (renewables + reliable sources like gas/nuclear)
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Only 26% support the state’s current path under Murphy
Bucco cited this data as proof that New Jerseyans are ready for common-sense reforms.
🛑 Failed Projects & Financial Fallout
Bucco also condemned the collapse of key offshore wind farms despite massive ratepayer-funded bailouts in 2023. He directly tied Governor Murphy’s blockade of natural gas projects to the state’s looming energy affordability crisis.
“Phil Murphy’s blocking of new natural gas infrastructure, followed by the dramatic failure of their offshore wind farms, are the real culprits behind looming financial pain for millions of New Jersey ratepayers,” Bucco said.
💬 Holden’s Insider Perspective
Mary-Anna Holden, who served under both Republican Gov. Chris Christie and Democrat Gov. Phil Murphy, has warned that PJM—the apolitical regional grid operator—is unfairly being blamed for systemic policy flaws caused by Trenton decision-makers.
Holden emphasized that while renewables are important, they cannot shoulder the entire energy load alone.
🔄 The Path Forward: Balanced Energy Policy
Both Bucco and Holden are calling for a return to reality-based policymaking—one that invests in natural gas, nuclear energy, and gradually incorporates renewables in a sustainable, grid-safe manner.
“We need a strategy focused on reliability, affordability, and energy independence—not election-year gimmicks or ideological experiments,” Bucco concluded.
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