A recent poll conducted by the organization Independent Women has revealed a growing concern among New Jersey residents regarding the state’s energy policies. The findings indicate that many residents are unaware of the potential financial implications of these policies, which are regarded as being as progressive as those in California.
The poll, carried out at the end of May 2025, highlights several key initiatives in New Jersey’s energy strategy, including a proposed 20% increase in utility rates, a staggering $1.4 trillion projected cost for renewable energy investments, and a mandate to ban gas-powered vehicles by 2035. According to the poll, a significant portion of voters, particularly those identifying as moderate or somewhat conservative, lack awareness of these policies and their potential impact on household expenses.
More specifically, the results showed that 67% of respondents were unaware that an exclusive reliance on renewable energy sources would come with a substantial price tag of $1.4 trillion. Additionally, 52% of those surveyed indicated that learning about the expected increase in utility bills made them less supportive of the state’s energy policies.
Energy Policies Shift Voter Priorities
Initially, energy issues ranked low among swing voters, with only 7.3% citing it as their top concern. However, once informed of the potential real-world costs associated with these policies, the interest level shifted dramatically. The percentage of respondents who identified energy as one of their top three issues surged by 18.6 points, rising from 45.1% to 63.7%. This shift resulted in a net increase of 35.5 points in prioritization.
The poll also revealed that 72% of those surveyed expressed significant concern upon learning that New Jersey’s climate initiatives could be more aggressive than those in California. Gabriella Hoffman, Director of the Independent Women’s Center for Energy and Conservation, emphasized that residents are looking for secure and affordable energy solutions rather than feeling pressured about climate issues. She stated, “New Jersey residents, like their fellow Americans, want secure, reliable, and affordable energy – not a lecture on climate change.”
Hoffman criticized Governor Phil Murphy’s Energy Master Plan, arguing that it aligns New Jersey with California’s extreme environmental policies, which she claims leads to energy insecurity. According to her, climate mandates do not necessarily drive blue states towards adopting clean energy solutions, as renewables currently account for only 8% of New Jersey’s energy mix.
Impact of Policy Decisions on Energy Costs
Hoffman pointed out that since Governor Murphy took office in 2017, New Jersey has shut down six reliable power plants in efforts to combat climate change. This, combined with stringent climate policies, has resulted in higher energy costs, including a delayed 20% increase in utility bills. Hoffman noted that instead of generating its own power, New Jersey now relies heavily on electricity imports from neighboring states, attributing this situation to poor policymaking from Trenton.
Hoffman underscored that energy remains a critical issue for New Jersey voters, particularly among moderate women. She noted, “Energy is greatly intertwined with the economy. It’s a sleeper issue that shouldn’t be ignored, as having reliable energy is necessary for enjoying a comfortable life in America.”
As the state faces the fifth highest tax burden in the nation, the implications of energy policy decisions continue to resonate with residents. The Independent Women’s poll serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and public understanding regarding energy initiatives and their potential impact on daily life and costs.
