The proposed bill establishes the Department of Energy in New Jersey as a principal department within the Executive Branch, with a commissioner appointed by the Governor to oversee its operations. This new department will take over energy policy responsibilities from the Board of Public Utilities, ensuring a unified approach to energy management. Key provisions include the transfer of programmatic and administrative staff from the Board to the Department, the establishment of an Energy Business Ombudsman to assist businesses with energy costs, and the development of guidelines for funding projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The bill also sets ambitious goals for the adoption of electric vehicles and the development of charging infrastructure, emphasizing support for low-income and environmental justice communities.

Additionally, the bill amends existing legislation related to electric vehicle incentives and infrastructure, replacing references to the Board of Public Utilities with the Department of Energy. It mandates that sellers of eligible vehicles offer a light-duty plug-in electric vehicle incentive and establishes a Plug-in Electric Vehicle Incentive Fund. The bill also requires developers to offer the installation of EV charging stations in residential units and outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Energy in collecting energy information and creating an Energy Master Plan. Notably, it deletes provisions regarding the jurisdiction of the Division of Energy Planning and Conservation over energy facility siting, streamlining energy governance in New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2C-46, 26:2C-51, 26:2C-52, 48:2-92, 48:2-93, 48:2-94, 48:2-95, 48:2-96, 48:2-97, 48:2-98, 48:3-60, 48:25-2, 48:25-3, 48:25-4, 48:25-5, 48:25-6, 48:25-7, 48:25-8, 48:25-9, 48:25-11, 48:25-12, 52:18A-2.1, 52:27D-141.4, 52:27D-141.7, 52:27D-141.9, 52:27D-141.11, 52:27F-11, 52:27F-14, 52:27F-15, 52:27H-20.1