New Jersey Assembly Bill A5556

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/5/23
• Refer: 6/5/23

Caption

Establishes new position of Clean Energy Advocate in BPU to facilitate coordination and cooperation among various State agencies in association with implementation of interagency clean energy projects.

Impact

The enactment of A5556 is expected to have significant implications for state legislation concerning clean energy and sustainability. By providing a dedicated advocate, the BPU aims to streamline processes that have historically been complicated by inter-agency miscommunication or disputes. Additionally, the advocate's responsibilities include reporting on interagency project statuses and any unresolved issues, ultimately acting as a catalyst for achieving New Jersey's decarbonization goals and clean energy targets specified in various state laws and initiatives.

Summary

Bill A5556 is designed to establish a new position titled 'Clean Energy Advocate' within the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU). This position aims to enhance coordination among various state agencies involved in clean energy initiatives. The advocate will serve as a central point for communication, engaging actively with different state authorities to expedite the development and implementation of interagency clean energy projects. This role includes identifying and resolving disputes between agencies, promoting efficient planning and cooperation for the successful execution of projects related to clean energy.

Contention

While proponents argue that the creation of this position will lead to improved outcomes in clean energy project management and collaboration among agencies, there may be opposition to the structural changes it introduces. Critics could raise concerns about the allocation of resources to fund this new position, as well as the potential for bureaucracy to complicate rather than facilitate the clean energy initiatives intended by the bill. Therefore, the effectiveness and efficiency with which the Clean Energy Advocate operates may come under scrutiny as the bill moves forward.