Latest news with #EnergyDisasterPlan
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Slashing energy development red tape, beating China in 'AI arms race' top priorities for nations' governors
"It shouldn't take longer to approve an [energy] project than it takes to build it," said National Governors Association Vice Chair Kevin Stitt at Friday's conference in Washington. That, the Oklahoma Republican said, is the collective picture painted of all the problems with government bureaucracy at all levels that imperils the U.S.' ability to stay ahead of China in terms of cyberthreat-prevention and energy dominance. Permitting reform is one of the most important things to address with a new administration and new state government sessions beginning, the governors collectively expressed. There was bipartisan consensus at the NGA that America must move responsibly toward a future secure from malign foreign actors in both cybersecurity and energy development. Nj Residents Hit With Doubling Bills As Lawmakers Fume Over Murphy's 'Energy Disaster Plan' "Permitting reform is one of those issues where both Republicans and Democrats recognize the problem, we largely agree on solutions," Stitt said, adding it is a national security issue that the U.S. must streamline permitting. Read On The Fox News App "Our allies need affordable, reliable energy and the US has the resources to provide that," he said. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum spoke at length on that matter, saying America is in competition with foreign rivals like Russia, China, Iran and North Korea whether they like it or not. "It's key that we win the AI arms race with China," he said, citing bot-powered attacks that can be much more effective than human hackers. "They would have the ability to take down the electric grid. They have the ability to disrupt everything that we know in our country. And they wouldn't have to put a single soldier on the ground, but it could completely disrupt us and our economy. So, winning that AI arms race doesn't just take software developers, it takes more electricity." "We're in a competition… against other countries that aren't slowing themselves down with the level of bureaucracy that we have," Burgum said, citing the threat of cyberattacks from Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. Burgum and the governors discussed the promise of nuclear energy and new technology that allows for the portability of such operations, where plants that generate power can be placed much closer to where that power is needed. Stitt remarked that when Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro issued an order mandating his own government to rule on infrastructure permit applications within two weeks or give the applicant their money back, he didn't want to get "beat by a Democrat" in that idea so he quickly issued his own order. Hochul Does Apparent About-face On Natural Gas As Nyc Utility Signals Major Rate Hikes Shapiro also said Pennsylvania conducted an audit of permit applications earlier in his term and found 3,400 – leading him to order there be cataloging going forward. Despite Bethlehem Steel's stacks laying dormant 25 years on, and the massive St. Nicholas Breaker coal processor long gone, Pennsylvania remains the nation's second-largest energy net-exporter – a fact noted by the governor. The first North American discovery of oil occurred in the mid-1800s in Venango County, and some of the longest-producing wells remain active in Pennsylvania, though the Commonwealth has been far surpassed in that regard by Texas, Alaska and other states. "We're proud of our legacy as a national energy leader," Shapiro said. "We've got to get to-market quickly [regarding] energy projects." Pennsylvania produced more than 7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in 2023. But there has been a push-pull effect of former Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell banning fracking on state parkland, Republican Gov. Tom Corbett reversing that, and Shapiro's Democratic predecessor Tom Wolf then restoring Rendell's moratorium. Shapiro indicated Friday he would be taking a more measured approach to responsibly developing the Commonwealth's resources. He cited the bipartisan SPEED Act out of Harrisburg, which provides for third-party permitting review while also accelerating the overall process. Burgum called the work of a governor one of the hardest, but remarked that it is about to "become more fun than it's ever been" with the accessibility of the Trump administration. In that regard, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster described how cabinet secretaries had shared their own personal contact information following a Friday White House meeting – and that President Donald Trump invited calls as well but did not share his own number. "I've got it, but I'm going to hold onto it," he article source: Slashing energy development red tape, beating China in 'AI arms race' top priorities for nations' governors
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Green New Headache: Dems flee gov's green ‘Energy Master Plan' as election approaches
A prominent New Jersey Democrat running for governor this year publicly split from leftist Gov. Phil Murphy's green "Energy Master Plan" as Garden State residents brace for 20% or worse increases in utility costs by summertime. Former state Senate President Steve Sweeney called for an immediate halt to Murphy's comprehensive roadmap to 100% clean energy by 2050, saying his "foremost priority" if elected is to make the notoriously pricy state an affordable place to live. "The recent increases in utility bills demonstrate how overly ambitious targets for a zero-carbon future can negatively impact our residents. We need to take a step back and reassess policies that could drive costs even higher," Sweeney said on NJ-101.5FM. Rate hikes of 17-21% can be expected throughout the state, via Jersey Central Power & Light, Atlantic City Electric, PSEG and New York-based Rockland Electric, according to 101.5. Nj Residents Hit With Doubled Utility Bills As Lawmakers Fume Over Murphy's 'Energy Disaster Plan' In a further statement, Sweeney noted he previously sponsored legislation on solar power development, offshore windmills and reducing New Jersey's reliance on fossil fuels. He also has encouraged building up the state's EV infrastructure and promoting EV sales. Read On The Fox News App But, the Democrat appeared to split with some on his side of the aisle by expressing an openness to pursue natural gas as a cleaner fuel source than oil. "With our abundant organic resources – from landfills and sewage to farms and food waste – New Jersey has a unique opportunity to harness [natural gas] to generate gas to meet our energy needs," Sweeney said. "We must also acknowledge and make effective use of the substantial investments that have been made in our pipeline infrastructure, which represents a commitment that should not be disregarded." Meanwhile, state Sen. Jon Bramnick, R-Scotch Plains, told Fox News Digital on Wednesday that Sweeney's public stance shows the left's green energy plans are "too extreme, even for Democrats." Gop Lawmaker Torches Offshore Wind Projects As Mayor Warns Of 'Star Wars' Backdrops The term-limited Murphy's plan "wasn't practical," said Bramnick, a top candidate on the GOP side to replace him. "Sometimes, Democrats become more political than practical – and that's kind of why they're having more trouble at the polls." "I think their heart might be in the right place, but they lack some practical common sense," Bramnick said. In a prior interview on Trenton's green energy efforts, lawmakers such as state Sen. Mike Testa, R-Vineland, derided the idea as the "Energy Disaster Plan." "Quite frankly, what I think happened is, via the Murphy Energy Master Plan that I've often called the energy disaster plan, it seemed that the BPU (New Jersey Board of Public Utilities) and the Murphy administration are working in tandem chasing this green energy dream…. It's a green energy nightmare," Testa said at the time. For his part, Murphy has defended his plan, saying it "comprehensively addresses New Jersey's energy system, including electricity generation, transportation and buildings, and their associated greenhouse gas emissions and related air pollutants." Fox News Digital also reached out to prominent Democratic candidate Steve Fulop, the mayor of Jersey City, and Republican Edward Durr, better known in New Jersey as "Ed the Trucker." In Janurary, Fulop released a dozen-page outline of his "environmental and sustainability policy goals," and has touted Jersey City's advancements in energy and sustainability endeavors. Durr, who was then a newcomer to politics, notably engineered the 2021 upset win against Sweeney in Gloucester County that drew national article source: Green New Headache: Dems flee gov's green 'Energy Master Plan' as election approaches
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NJ files lawsuit seeking to stymie Hochul's NYC driving tax after asking Trump for help
New Jersey Gov. Philip Murphy announced the Garden State updated its lawsuit against the federal government over the Biden-era approval of New York's "congestion pricing" that the Democrat claims is burdening working-class residents. The news comes days after Murphy wrote a letter to President Donald Trump seeking assistance and "common ground" on an issue the Republican also railed against. Approved in the waning days of the Biden administration, a $9 fee is charged for vehicles traversing below Central Park, or 60th Street, by the state-owned MTA. Nj Residents Hit With Doubled Bills As Lawmakers Fume At Murphy's 'Energy Disaster Plan', Demand Hearings Murphy said the Federal Highway Administration [FHWA] wrongly "fast-tracked" approval of the tolling plan that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said would reduce gridlock, improve the environment and erase red ink on the New York City transit ledger. "The decision by the federal government and the MTA to fast-track a proposal that solely benefits New York's transportation system at the expense of hardworking New Jerseyites must be reevaluated and rescinded," Murphy said in a statement, adding the "scheme" is causing "financial strain" on his constituents. Read On The Fox News App New Jersey officials said the tolls are affecting commuters both financially and geographically. While drivers entering Manhattan via the Holland and Lincoln tunnels receive a small "rebate" on the driving tax, those who cut through Staten Island or cross the George Washington Bridge (GWB) receive no benefit. In its amended complaint, New Jersey alleged the FHWA appeared to miss the effects that added traffic at the world's busiest bridge would have on urban Bergen County communities already facing unfavorable air quality. "Fort Lee has pre-existing pollution and chronic disease burdens at the 90th percentile. Under the congestion pricing scheme, Fort Lee is one of the communities with the 'highest propensity for truck diversion if the proposed action is implemented,'" the lawsuit said, describing the city on the Jersey side of the GWB. Murphy said the feds cannot "continue to turn a blind eye to the significant environmental impacts that congestion pricing will have on New Jersey, favoring New York at the expense of its neighbors." As Hochul and Lieber continue full steam ahead with the tax, suburban drivers have expressed outrage, including those from Long Island, who, because of the placement of toll gantries, cannot leave Manhattan without paying even if they do not intend to drive into the business district. Nj Gov Says He'll 'Fight To The Death' Against Trump Actions Contrary To 'Values' The tax is compounded by the $17 charged by the Port Authority to leave New Jersey eastward across water. Last week, Murphy demanded that the bi-state agency's chairman — Chris Christie appointee Kevin O'Toole — provide monthly data on revenue from changes in driving patterns for those trying to avoid New York's new fees. "The statistical information we are requesting will help us advocate for our commuters and the broader region as we fight this unfair policy," Murphy said. While Murphy previously pledged to "fight to the death" against White House attacks on New Jersey "values" and communities, he also said he would work with the administration when finding common ground. In a letter to Trump, Murphy noted the president pledged to "terminate congestion pricing in [his] first week in office" as a "massive business-killer" and had knocked Hochul for devising the "worst plan in the history of womankind." "I am open to congestion pricing in concept, but New York's scheme has never been well-designed or adequately studied," Murphy wrote, asking Trump for assistance and noting Hochul's "indefinite pause" on the program only lasted until it was clear former Vice President Kamala Harris would not win the election last November. N.J. Assembly Transportation Committee member Christopher DePhillips offered bipartisan support for Murphy's position, telling Fox News Digital that while he backs the governor's goal of ending the "scheme," it will take Trump to "kill it." "I would also like [Murphy] to apply the same effort he puts forth to stop the congestion pricing to help the mass transit riders at home. Drivers shouldn't have to pay more to cross into Manhattan, and [NJ Transit riders] shouldn't have to pay 15% higher fares," said DePhillips, R-Wyckoff. Hochul recently said she has tried to work with New Jersey to avoid ongoing litigation. She said Albany offered a "generous" nine-figure settlement that Trenton rejected. "We've made multiple offers to settle this lawsuit. I wish I could describe them to you because you would say they're generous. I'm not at liberty to do that," she told New York Streetsblog. Members of Congress from Big Apple suburbs called for Lieber's ouster after he held a ceremony to unveil tolling signs on Broadway. "Imagine being such an a--hole as to celebrate screwing New Yorkers out of their hard-earned money just for the privilege to drive to work," Rep. Michael Lawler, R-Nyack, said. MTA executive John McCarthy said in response that Lieber has overseen better service and on-time performance and that "out-of-touch politicians" are simply "bloviating." The FHWA did not immediately respond to a request for article source: NJ files lawsuit seeking to stymie Hochul's NYC driving tax after asking Trump for help
