New Jersey Assembly Bill A3185

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/22
• Refer: 3/7/22

Caption

Permits municipalities to prohibit gas connections in new construction.

Impact

If enacted, A3185 would significantly alter local energy policies, providing municipalities with the authority to define energy standards for new construction projects. This could lead to a substantial shift in how buildings are powered, as more municipalities may adopt stringent measures that favor non-fossil fuel energy sources. The flexibility given to local governments to create their own energy policies could encourage innovative building designs that focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3185 seeks to empower municipalities within New Jersey to prohibit gas connections for new constructions. The bill introduces provisions that allow local governments to enforce regulations ensuring that any new building does not include natural gas connections, thereby promoting the use of alternative, cleaner energy sources, primarily electric power. This legislative move aims to align construction practices with broader climate policy goals by reducing the reliance on fossil fuels in new developments.

Contention

However, the bill is likely to spur debates regarding local governance and energy regulation. Supporters argue that allowing municipalities to restrict gas connections helps to combat climate change and promotes the adoption of cleaner technologies. Critics, on the other hand, may raise concerns about potential economic impacts on builders and developers, as well as the feasibility of widespread adoption of electric power in areas that currently depend on natural gas, questioning whether such drastic measures could hinder development or increase construction costs.