Too much, too soon, too ambitious: NJBIA energy conference will break it down

By
ROI-NJ Staff
-

Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration’s efforts to decarbonize the state and its economy have kicked into high gear in the name of climate change.

Environmentalists and other advocates are on board, but policymakers on both sides of the aisle have hinted that these efforts could be too much, too soon and too aspirational.

New Jersey Business & Industry Association Deputy Chief Government Affairs Officer Ray Cantor said all sides will be debate and discuss the issue at NJBIA’s 3rd annual Energy Policy Conference on Oct. 10 at the Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset. (Information here.)

The full-day conference will be followed by a cocktail awards reception.

“This event will feature a really complete array of energy and economic experts that will help bring clarity and context to some very timely and important questions,” Cantor said.

“Gov. Murphy has a vision of New Jersey being powered by 100% electric by 2035. So, there is a great need to get down to practicality and feasibility of the goals of our energy policies given that short time frame.

“This event will provide ample opportunity to discuss the current state of climate science and the risks of acting and not acting, as well as upgrades to our energy grid and other potential energy solutions to help New Jersey reduce emissions.”

The current list of speakers and presenters include:

  • Jim Appleton, president, New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers;
  • Ted Borer, energy plant director, Princeton University;
  • Timothy Burdis, senior manager – state policy solutions, PJM Interconnection;
  • Steven Cocchi, chief financial officer, South Jersey Industries;
  • Judith Curry, co-founder & president, Climate Forecast Applications Network;
  • Joseph Fiordaliso, president, N.J. Board of Public Utilities
  • Matthew Forman, director – state and federal government affairs, North American Subaru;
  • Janice Fuller, president, mid-Atlantic, Anbaric;
  • Samuel Gordon, senior manager, client relationships, Holtec International;
  • Jesse Jenkins, assistant professor, Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and Andlinger Center for Energy & Environment, Princeton University;
  • Rob Jennings, vice president – natural gas markets, American Petroleum Institute;
  • Bob Martin, managing director, Christie 55 Solutions;
  • Crystal Pruitt, external affairs lead, Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind;
  • Stephen Westhoven, CEO, New Jersey Resources and New Jersey Natural Gas;
  • Krystal Wrigley, chief fuels technology engineer, ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Co.;
  • Sen. Andrew Zwicker (D-Hillsborough), scientist, innovator and public servant.