By Mike Skelly, Dorothea Dix UU Community
March 13, 2025
Concerned about the future of New Jersey and the planet, members of the Unitarian Universalist (UU) community are actively participating in the revision of the state’s crucial Energy Master Plan (EMP). This comprehensive plan, mandated by a 1977 law and regularly updated, aims to guide New Jersey towards its ambitious energy and climate goals.. Its overall intent is to meet the 80% carbon reduction goals of the Global Warming Response Act (adopted in 2007), as well as the governor’s goal to have a 100% clean energy economy in NJ by 2050.
The EMP addresses production, distribution, consumption and conservation of energy in NJ. It is unique in that it covers all sectors including transportation, buildings, manufacturing, agriculture, and various energy sources and fuels. It is updated to include technological, financial and social changes. The current EMP was adopted in 2019 and is being revised now for release in 2025-26.
Michael Skelly, Sr., a member of the Dorothea Dix UU Community in Bordentown and the Environmental Justice Policy Director for UU FaithAction NJ, recently presented the UUs’ strong recommendations to the State Board of Public Utilities. Here’s a glimpse into his testimony presented to the State Board of Public Utilities on March 13, 2025.
“UU Faith Action urgently calls for a rapid and comprehensive transition away from fossil fuel-based energy consumption, directly addressing the core issues of rampant materialism and the exploitation of all living beings. To achieve this, we advocate for a two-thirds reduction of all energy consumption. This stance is rooted in our profound moral and strategic commitment to protecting the interconnected web of life, safeguarding human health and economic well-being, and ensuring a just and sustainable future for all.
“Our recommendations are based on the following key considerations:
- Realistic Energy Transition Timelines: While we support the development of offshore wind energy, we recognize that its full contribution to New Jersey’s energy needs will likely take more than a decade. Therefore, immediate and substantial reductions in energy demand are essential.
- Accelerating Electrification of Transportation: We believe that the market forces driving the adoption of electric vehicles, including economic advantages for manufacturers and consumers, will lead to widespread adoption within the next ten years.
- Optimizing Building Electrification: We emphasize the immediate technical and financial benefits of electrifying building lighting, heating, and cooling systems. Solar energy and heat pump technology offer cost-effective and efficient alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-based systems.
- Policy and Social Change: We recognize that achieving a sustainable energy future requires a multi-faceted approach, including:
- Strengthening political will: Encouraging policymakers to prioritize clean energy solutions.
- Promoting social adoption: Educating the public about the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
- Addressing vested interests: Advocating for policies that reduce the influence of fossil fuel industries.
- Educating the public: Promoting a shift in consumer behavior towards sustainability.
“We will offer detailed written testimony to the Board of Public Utilities, state agencies, and Governor to consider our recommendations as they finalize the Energy Master Plan. We believe that a bold and decisive commitment to squeaky clean energy is essential for the health and prosperity of New Jersey’s communities and future generations. We are committed to working to achieve a just and sustainable energy transition.”
Want to get involved? Learn more about Unitarian Universalist environmental efforts and actions by contacting environment@uufaithaction.org or visiting their website at https://uufaithaction.org/environment or April Environmental Justice resource https://www.uufaithaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/EJTF-Newsletter-Apr-2025-FINAL.pdf