NJ Moves to Cut Fossil Fuels From Homes, Businesses

In a specially called meeting, the New Jersey Board of Utilities on Wednesday adopted a framework to begin moving residential and commercial buildings away from using fossil fuels. That’s the second-largest source of climate-change emissions in New Jersey. Primarily, the program involves encouraging owners to voluntarily switch from using fossil fuels for heating and cooling to using electric heat pumps.

The action swiftly drew criticism from business groups and bipartisan opposition from lawmakers, triggering an angry outburst from BPU President Joseph Fiordaliso who lashed out at foes for lying and spreading misinformation about the proposal.