Members of the New Jersey Assembly Republican Energy Task Force criticized Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday for what they called a late and politically motivated shift in support of nuclear energy.

The task force, created earlier this week, includes Assemblymen Alex Sauickie, Paul Kanitra, Christian Barranco, Michael Torrissi, and Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia. It was formed to provide an alternative to the Murphy administration’s Energy Master Plan, which Republicans argue has contributed to rising utility costs and diminished energy reliability.

Murphy Wednesday voiced support for nuclear energy for the first time since taking office in 2018. His administration’s earlier policies have focused heavily on offshore wind and other renewable energy sources.

“For seven years, the governor has vilified reliable energy sources like nuclear and natural gas, while pushing a reckless and unrealistic plan based on fantasy and political ideology,” Sauickie (R-Ocean) said. “Now, as elections approach and voters are fed up with skyrocketing energy costs, he suddenly wants to pretend he supports nuclear? The damage is already done.”

Fantasia (R-Sussex) said the administration “ignored repeated warnings about energy reliability, affordability, and feasibility,” and accused Murphy and legislative Democrats of “trying to rewrite history.”

Republicans argue that Murphy’s Energy Master Plan contributed to the retirement of baseload energy sources, including the 2018 closure of the Oyster Creek nuclear plant. They cite a more than 20% decline in energy supply, increased pressure on the power grid, and rising electricity rates as consequences of the administration’s energy policies.

“This is not leadership. It’s an obvious attempt at political survival,” Kanitra (R-Ocean) said. “The president of the BPU and Governor Murphy are throwing out buzzwords and sound bites in a desperate attempt to protect vulnerable Democrats and even influence the choice for the next governor.”

The state Board of Public Utilities also issued a “request for information” Wednesday seeking input on the future role of nuclear power, which includes no formal proposals or plans and underscores how little groundwork has been laid for serious nuclear development. 

“This looks more like a homework assignment than a strategy plan,” said Barranco (R-Morris) about the board announcement. “They fast-tracked massive subsidies for offshore wind with far less homework. We need expertise, not questionnaires.”

Torrissi (R-Atlantic) added that Republicans are focused on lowering utility bills and restoring energy independence, while “Democrats are just trying to change the narrative.”

“Our priority is simple: cut utility bills, restore energy independence, and protect New Jersey’s future,” he said.