NJ Clean Energy Advocate, Utility Board President Dies: Joe Fiordaliso

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — New Jersey officials are mourning Joseph Fiordaliso – a Newark native, former mayor of Livingston and the president of the state’s utilities regulation board – who died Wednesday at the age of 78.

Born and raised in the Ironbound section of Newark, the Essex County native had been overseeing the rollout of a high-profile clean energy campaign for the administration of Gov. Phil Murphy as head of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), where he has served as a commissioner for nearly three decades.

The governor highlighted Fiordaliso’s advocacy for clean energy – including offshore wind – in a statement about his death:

“Joe Fiordaliso was a consummate public servant, a trusted colleague, and a good friend. Above all, he was a devoted husband to his wife Marilyn, father to Dana and Joe, and grandfather to six loving grandchildren. As president of the NJBPU since the beginning of my administration, Joe skillfully led our work to responsibly transition to a clean energy economy while always putting the needs of consumers first. He also was a key figure in our storm response efforts and in ensuring that all New Jerseyans had access to critical services like clean water, electricity, and broadband. And, as a former three-time mayor of Livingston and member of the township council, he was a dedicated member of his community.”

“Every time you saw Joe, he was wearing his signature offshore wind pin or handing one out to anyone and everyone he met,” Murphy said. “He had an infectious personality and generous spirit. Tammy and I will miss his wise counsel and friendship.”

Fiordaliso is a veteran to the administrations of multiple New Jersey governors. He was nominated as a commissioner by Richard Codey and confirmed by the Senate in 2005. In 2011 and 2013, Fiordaliso was re-nominated by Chris Christie and confirmed by the Senate.

Murphy appointed Fiordaliso to serve as president of the NJBPU in 2018.

According to the NJBPU website:

“[Joseph Fiordaliso] was appointed as a member of the State Planning Commission on December 21, 2018 and serves as Co-Chair on the NJ Council on the Green Economy. Chair of Broadband Commission. He also serves on the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners’ (NARUC) Committee on Critical Infrastructure and Committee on Energy Resources and the Environment, is a member of the Executive Committee for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Inc. (RGGI) and RGGI’s Strategic Communications Team (SCT), is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Conference of Regulatory Utilities Commissions (MACRUC), is a member of the National Council on Electricity Policy (NCEP), is on the Board of Directors of the Organization of PJM States (OPSI), and is also a member of the Advisory Council to the Board of Directors of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). In May 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission appointed President Fiordaliso to the Joint Federal-State Task Force on Electric Transmission.”

Fiordaliso’s passing inspired a wave of condolences from other elected officials and community leaders in New Jersey. They included:

Shawn LaTourette, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection – “I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of my friend and partner in climate policy, Joseph Fiordaliso. Joe was a kind and thoughtful man, who will be sorely missed. His career-long commitment to public service has improved the quality of life for many across the Garden State. Armed with equal parts humor and heart, Joe could light up a room and lift a spirit in seconds. In policymaking, he was always guided by the simple principle we all say we live by: make our state and planet safer, more secure, and productive for our children and grandchildren. Along with our DEP and NJBPU colleagues, we will see through the critical work of reducing and responding to climate change -- for your grandchildren and for all of our children. We owe it to them, and we will not let you down.”

New Jersey League of Conservation Voters Board President Julia Somers – “The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters mourns the untimely passing of BPU President Joe Fiordaliso. During his long tenure, President Fiordaliso was a champion for a clean energy transition, supporting efforts to increase access to renewable energy to clean our air, tackle the climate crisis, and create good-paying union jobs. We were proud to have developed a strong working relationship with President Fiordaliso, and were honored when he chose to speak at our 2020 Sustainable Business Roundtable. His vision and deep commitment to the environment will be greatly missed in both the halls of Trenton and in the communities he served so well.”

Attorney General Matthew Platkin – “Joe Fiordaliso was a leader, a passionate advocate for clean energy, and the embodiment of a public servant. He was also one of the kindest and most decent people you’ll ever meet — and pretty funny, too. A son of Newark and former mayor of Livingston, Joe’s New Jersey roots run deep. From his longstanding place as a commissioner on the Board of Public Utilities — with bipartisan support — to his elevation as president in 2018, Joe never stopped looking for ways to make life better for New Jerseyans. No matter what issues arose — from hurricanes to complex policy debates about clean energy — he never shied away from a challenge, and he handled them all with a class and grace that is sadly all too rare today. I will miss Joe as a friend and a colleague, and the state is left without one of its most capable and dedicated public servants. I extend my deepest condolences to Joe’s wife, Marilyn, along with his children, grandchildren, and other surviving family.”

Senate President Nicholas Scutari - “Today, many of us got the sad news of the loss of a friend and respected colleague. I first worked directly with Joe Fiordaliso when he was deputy chief of staff for Governor Codey, and I was a new senator. He was a great person to turn to for advice because I knew he wanted to see everyone succeed. Joe was a savvy mentor to many of us throughout the state he loved. He will be remembered as a political leader who became a national expert on complex utility and energy policy, a transition few could have made. Joe was trusted by Republicans and Democrats alike to lead not only a major agency, but to help guide New Jersey into the next generation of jobs and infrastructure. His wisdom and experience will be sorely missed by all of us in the Senate. He held many public positions and he carried out each of his duties with intelligence and grace. Our deepest condolences are with his family.”

Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz – “Joe was a stalwart in Essex County for decades, starting his career as a teacher before moving into politics and public policy. Even when he rose to a cabinet level position, he never lost sight of the struggles and needs of New Jersey’s most vulnerable families. Joe was instrumental in efforts to expand access to broadband and understood that clean energy initiatives only work if they work for everyone. My thoughts are with his friends and loved ones during this difficult time. I hope his family can take solace in the meaningful legacy he leaves behind.”

New Jersey American Water President Mark McDonough – “We are deeply saddened by the passing of President Joe Fiordaliso. His unwavering commitment to both his family and the mission of the Board of Public Utilities was truly exceptional. He demonstrated this dedication each day, balancing the demands of his role with the warmth and care he showed to his loved ones, especially his grandchildren and his staff and fellow commissioners. His passion for the work of the Board of Public Utilities was unparalleled, and he was instrumental in shaping policies that helped ensure reliable and sustainable water and wastewater services for all. His leadership will be deeply missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his staff.”

Jim Fakult, president of New Jersey operations for FirstEnergy Corp - “New Jersey is a better place to live, work and raise a family thanks to President Fiordaliso’s dedicated public service and leadership. He recognized and celebrated the opportunity to help lead our state in securing a brighter future. Joe treated everyone who dealt with the BPU with fairness and humility while fostering collaboration between the state’s utilities – all for the good of New Jersey’s residents and businesses. We are thankful for and honor his decades of service to the people of the Garden State. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, including his wife Marilyn, his children and grandchildren.”

New Jersey Business and Industry Association – “The NJBIA mourns the passing of Board of Public Utilities President Joe Fiordaliso. Both as president and in his years prior with the BPU, Joe was truly and passionately committed to his job and its many missions. And even when we didn’t agree on policy issues, President Fiordaliso always had an open door, took part in many NJBIA events and had receptive ears to our concerns. NJBIA offers our heartfelt condolences to Joe's family and friends. He will be greatly missed.”

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