Driven by the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, New Jersey will pursue an aggressive policy of increasing renewable energy usage and reducing energy consumption, but one legislator is worried about how New Jersey will realistically meet its growing energy needs. At NJBIA's April 29 Meet the Decision Makers event, New Jersey's top energy policy officials outlined their views on how New Jerseyans will get their future electricity needs met. The panel included Board of Public Utilities (BPU) Chairwoman Jeanne Fox; Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, chairman of the Assembly Utilities Committee; State Senator Steven Oroho; Kenny Esser, chief energy advisor to Governor Jon Corzine; and Jeanne Herb, policy director at the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Assemblyman Chivukula noted that New Jersey's stated goal of reducing energy consumption by 640 megawatts (the equivalent of two medium-sized electricity plants) would require more than the State's established weatherization and conservation programs He singled out hydroelectric power (where flowing water, not steam, turns the electricity-generating turbines) as technology that should be pursued. "If we make hydro a Class 1 source of energy, it will blow solar, wind and everything else right out of the ballpark."

Meanwhile Esser, who is the Governor's point person in updating the State's Energy Master Plan, said increased use of nuclear power had to be part of the equation even though it is viewed as controversial by some people. Nuclear power currently accounts for more than 50 percent of New Jersey's electricity generation, and does so without emitting greenhouse gases. "I would hope that new sources of generation would become available," Esser said. "Until they do, it would be irresponsible to rule out a technology like nuclear power."

New Jersey businesses have access to government grants and loans to help pay for energy conservation projects through BPU's Clean Energy Program, which is funded through the societal benefits charge on energy bills, Commissioner Fox said. She said "businesses should take advantage of the clean energy program" because they are already paying for it. In addition to offering incentives for using solar power, wind power and biofuels, Fox said, the BPU is rolling out two new programs: the "Pay for Performance" program, which provides direct financial incentives to large businesses that reduce their overall energy consumption by at least 15 percent, and, coming soon, a new program to help small and medium-size businesses purchase energy-efficient equipment.

While the conservation and energy efficiency programs are all well and good, Senator Oroho said he is worried they will be unable to keep up with New Jersey's growing demand for energy. "We live in a society today where everyone is plugged in," Oroho said. "And now we're talking about electric cars. What's that going to do to our supply?" He said he was particularly concerned with the State's Energy Master Plan because he believes the plan's energy conservation projections are overly optimistic.

Herb said that most of New Jersey's energy policy is driven by the need to reduce greenhouse gases. New Jersey's Global Warming Response Act which requires the State to reduce greenhouse gases by 20 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. Of the 26 states that have enacted greenhouse gas reduction laws, New Jersey's is by far the most ambitious, she said. Herb noted that recommendations were being prepared to achieve these goals should be ready this summer. She tried to reassure businesses that they would not be onerous. "I think one of the things we've heard from the business community is ‘you've picked on us enough.'" Herb said. "So it's time to look to other sectors."

2. Meet NJ’s Top Healthcare Decision Makers May 6

The last of NJBIA's Meet the Decision Makers events until the fall will focus on healthcare and health insurance issues. On Wednesday, May 6, Meet the Decision Makers: Healthcare Policy will feature Heather Howard, commissioner of the Department of Health and Senior Services; Steven Goldman, commissioner of the Department of Banking and Insurance; Joseph Vitale, chair of the Senate Health Committee; Gary Schaer, chair of the Assembly Insurance Committee; and Louis Greenwald, chair of the Assembly Budget Committee.

The program will be held at Forsgate Country Club, Monroe Township (Exit 8A, NJ Turnpike) beginning with registration and a buffet breakfast at 7:45 a.m. and ending at 10:00 a.m. The cost is $75 per person for NJBIA members and $125 for nonmembers. Register online now, or for more information, contact Stacy Wichner at 609-393-7707, ext. 213.

3. Four Honorees Selected for Junior Achievement NJ Business Hall of Fame

Three New Jersey business leaders and one government official were honored April 30 in Newark as the newest Laureates for New Jersey's Business Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is the premier platform for recognizing the role models to today's youth. This year's inductees are:

- Carlos Dominguez, Senior Vice President, Cisco Systems, Inc.;
- Kurus Elavia, Chief Executive Officer, Gateway Group One;
- Anne Evans Estabrook, Chief Executive Officer, Elberon Development Co.; and
- The Honorable Nina Mitchell Wells, NJ Secretary of State

These individuals were chosen for the significant, positive impact they have had on New Jersey through either the private-sector economy or as an advocate of business in the public policy, government, or education sectors. Inductees have consistently demonstrated business excellence, visionary leadership, community involvement and high ethical standards. Learn more about the Business Hall of Fame.