Rethink RGGI: Why Eric Scott Can’t Ignore a Common Sense Idea to Lower Energy Costs

Gov. Mikie Sherrill has said lowering energy costs is a priority.

Here’s an opportunity to do exactly that. New Jersey could suspend its participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, auctions and replace it with a lower-cost alternative that still generates revenue for environmental programs.

According to one study, consumers could save hundreds of millions of dollars each year while emissions decline.

Meanwhile, RGGI has some unavoidable issues. New Jersey’s power plants are among the cleanest and most efficient in the region. Meanwhile, neighboring states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia aren’t in RGGI and continue relying on higher-emitting coal generation. The result? Our electric bills go up, their generators gain a competitive advantage, and New Jersey’s carbon emissions actually increase because we’re downwind of them. Our CO2 emissions have increased by 2.9 million short tons annually.

If a program costs more and delivers worse results, it’s time to rethink it, both for our own benefit and future generations.

Lawmakers from both parties say they want lower energy costs. Now there’s a proposal on the table that could accomplish that goal. The question isn’t whether we can afford to act. It’s whether we can afford not to. 

To learn more and encourage our leaders to do better for consumers and the environment, visit njbia.org/advocacy/actioncenter/rethinkrggi.

Paid for by New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA).