The race for New Jersey’s next governor is picking up speed, and environmental policies are a major topic of debate.
At a recent event in New Brunswick, four Democratic candidates and one Republican discussed the state’s approach to clean energy, air pollution, traffic congestion, and drinking water safety.
This discussion, which took place at the Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, was co-sponsored by the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters Education Fund and NJ Spotlight News.
It was also streamed live for the public.
Even though all major candidates were invited, some couldn’t make it due to scheduling conflicts.
However, those who attended had plenty to say about how New Jersey should move forward on environmental issues.
- New Jersey’s clean energy plans face problems because there aren’t enough charging stations and the power grid needs upgrades.
- Candidates disagree on congestion pricing and offshore wind since some want New Jersey to charge tolls like New York, while others think the state needs more energy options beyond wind power.
- More candidates are skipping county conventions because they believe party leaders have too much control over who gets support.
Plans for Clean Energy and Electric Vehicles
One of the most talked-about policies in recent years has been Governor Phil Murphy’s plan to end the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035.
On the surface, this might seem like a great step toward reducing pollution.
However, when the candidates started breaking it down, it became clear that the transition won’t be simple.
Some pointed out that while electric vehicles (EVs) are the future, New Jersey isn’t fully prepared to handle the change.
A looming concern is that the state doesn’t have enough charging stations, especially for trucks and commercial vehicles.
Despite these concerns, some felt that delaying clean energy goals would be a mistake.
They argued that waiting too long could set New Jersey back while other states move ahead in the transition to renewable energy.
There was also a discussion about gradually phasing out fossil fuels rather than stopping them all at once.
One argument was that setting clear goals and working with energy companies would help make the change easier and more effective.
Meanwhile, the Republican candidate in attendance agreed that protecting the environment is important but warned that affordability also needs to be a priority.
If environmental policies make life too expensive for residents, they could backfire.
The challenge, then, is to find a balance between sustainability and economic stability.
Congestion Pricing and Traffic Pollution
Another issue that sparked strong reactions was congestion pricing.
This has been a hot topic since New York City began charging an extra toll for cars entering its central business district.
The policy, which went into effect on January 5, has been met with frustration from many New Jersey politicians, including Governor Murphy, who even sued to try to stop it.
Several candidates clarified that they strongly oppose the new tolls, arguing that it unfairly punishes New Jersey drivers who commute to New York for work.
The concern is that these extra fees place an unnecessary financial burden on working-class people.
At the same time, some candidates acknowledged that traffic congestion is a real problem, especially when it comes to air pollution.
In cities like Newark, for example, residents already experience poor air quality due to heavy traffic.
So, while tolls may not be the best solution, they agreed that New Jersey still needs to find ways to reduce pollution from cars and trucks.
Certain candidates even suggested that New Jersey could implement its own congestion pricing system for vehicles coming in from New York.
Offshore Wind Energy and Renewable Power Challenges
The conversation also turned to renewable energy, particularly the challenges surrounding offshore wind power.
Offshore wind farms should be a big part of New Jersey’s clean energy future.
That said, recent setbacks have made it difficult for the state to move forward with these projects.
A few voiced concerns that problems with permits and regulations caused these delays.
They compared New Jersey to Virginia, where offshore wind projects have moved forward more quickly.
According to them, New Jersey’s slower progress is largely due to bureaucratic roadblocks.
Others blamed past federal policies for creating obstacles.
The debate also touched on whether New Jersey’s power grid is strong enough to handle the demand for new renewable energy sources.
If the infrastructure isn’t ready, relying too much on offshore wind could lead to problems with reliability.
That’s why some candidates suggested a more balanced approach.
They said the state should invest in other forms of renewable energy, like solar power, instead of focusing only on offshore wind.
That way, even if one sector faces delays, New Jersey can still move forward with clean energy goals.
The Fight Against PFAS and the Need for Federal Support
Water contamination is another major issue in New Jersey, especially when it comes to PFAS—harmful chemicals that have been found in drinking water supplies.
Many of these chemicals come from military bases and industrial sites, and cleaning them up will be expensive.
Some took the stance that the federal government needs to step in and provide financial support for cleanup efforts.
One even suggested that if the government doesn’t help, New Jersey may have to take legal action to force funding for water cleanup.
Others believed that the companies responsible for polluting the water should be held accountable and made to pay for the damage they caused.
There was also talk about increasing public education on water safety so that people know what they’re drinking and how to protect themselves.
Candidates Reject County Conventions, Challenge Party Influence
Beyond environmental issues, the candidates also discussed a growing trend in New Jersey politics: some candidates’ decision to skip county nominating conventions.
These conventions are supposed to help determine which candidates get party support, but many believe political insiders rather than everyday voters control them.
One Democratic candidate explained that these conventions often favor candidates backed by party chairs rather than those who have the most public support.
Consequently, he said he would only participate in conventions that allow candidates to directly address delegates and access voter information.
Another candidate echoed these concerns, saying that party leaders hold too much power in the selection process.
On the Republican side, one candidate also announced that he would skip the conventions, arguing that many politicians feel pressured to follow party bosses in order to secure endorsements.
This shows that more candidates are pushing back against traditional political structures and demanding a fairer, more transparent process.
It remains to be seen how this will affect the race, but it could change how candidates seek support in future elections.
With primary elections approaching, New Jersey residents will soon have to decide which candidate offers the best balance between environmental responsibility, economic stability, and political reform.
The coming months will reveal who has the strongest plan—and whether they can turn their promises into real change.
