Murphy's Unveils Final (Controversial) Energy Master Plan—​Right As His Tenure Ends

Clean energy and affordability are the major energy goals New Jersey is seeking in the future, according to the 2024 Energy Master Plan (EMP).

Gov. Phil Murphy announced the release of the latest EMP Monday, which builds on the 2019 EMP. It details the energy goal his administration has achieved and guidance for the future.

“This report is the culmination of our no-regrets strategy to tackling the challenges of energy affordability, supply and demand, and climate change,” Murphy said. “I am proud of all that we’ve been able to achieve to make our energy sector cleaner and more efficient over the past eight years. This report’s recommendations will help guide energy policy to new heights in the future.”

The release comes as Murphy comes to the end of his two terms; Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill has also promised to get residents clean, affordable energy. Read more: Bold New Electricity Plan Could Mean Hundreds In Savings For NJ Families

The EMP is a policy document, but is nonbinding. It provides a framework for lawmakers. Some of the 2019 EMP has been enshrined in law, however.

Much of the report “stays the course” on Murphy's goals, primarily emphasizing renewable energy.

Though Murphy had previously hoped to make wind a major part of New Jersey's energy, economic factors and President Donald Trump's moratorium on offshore wind have made this unlikely at the present.

RELATED: Long Delayed Jersey Shore Wind Farm Gets Scrapped

But the plan is still to have the Garden State generate 100 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2035, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. That involves phasing out natural gas plants and a heavy focus on electrification.

Another pillar of the report is affordability, which Sherrill also made a major factor in her gubernatorial campaign. Several of the Murphy administration's recommendations have already been implemented.

The state will continue to push for action from grid operator PJM to ensure grid reliability, affordability and accelerate clean energy integration.

The new EMP received some pushback from NJ Republicans, who said it was concerning that Murphy released this report shortly before a new administration comes in.

“Major policy decisions of this magnitude will shape New Jersey’s future for decades, and the next administration and incoming legislature deserve a real voice in determining the direction of our state’s energy strategy,” said State Sen. Anthony Bucco.

Bucco also said that residents deserve more transparency on costs.

“Doubling down on full electrification by 2035 will only make the state’s energy challenges worse and push our utility rates even higher. These unrealistic mandates will only serve to further strain our grid, increase costs, and undermine reliability,” Bucco said.

You can read the full EMP here.