NJ needs patience on path to clean energy that’s reliable, affordable

No one seems happy with New Jersey’s draft Energy Master Plan, which attempts to describe a path to Gov. Phil Murphy’s ultra-ambitious goal of 100% clean energy by 2050. At this month’s hearings on the draft, environmental groups assailed it for allowing natural gas pipeline and plant projects to continue until adequate replacements for that dominant energy source are developed. Business groups criticized it for neglecting the cost and economic impact of the government-mandated changes to the energy market. Here’s a contrary view of the draft plan: At this stage, with so much unknown about emerging energy technology and what will be feasible when, the plan needs to be flexible. It is attempting to reconcile the so-far conflicting goals of drastically reducing carbon dioxide emissions and of ensuring New Jersey residents and businesses still always get the heat and electricity they need at a price that’s affordable.