BPU faces big changes

Governor Christie's transition team has recommended significant changes to the Board of Public Utilities, with more emphasis on business and less on the environment.

The team's Energy & Utilities report recommends that the Clean Energy Program, a centerpiece of former Gov. Jon Corzine's energy master plan, be moved from the BPU to the Economic Development Authority, where its focus would switch from promoting use of more renewable energy sources to supporting economic growth.

The BPU should "aggressively drive wind and solar renewable energy, but only if we can get the manufacturing built in N.J., utilize the ports, and drive down the cost of this renewable energy over time," the report said.

"The BPU is not focused on its core mission [to regulate utilities] and is trying to do too many things, especially trying [and failing] to manage the Office of Clean Energy," the report said.

Given the state's financial crisis, the report suggested that $1.1 billion in Clean Energy funds be "directed" to the EDA for business-related programs to grow energy-related programs and grow the state's economy.

The report drew immediate criticism from the Sierra Club, which called it, "a major step back'' for energy and the environment.

The organization objected to what it called a "raid" on the Clean Energy Fund that is earmarked for special programs.

The reports also called for the number of commissioners to be cut from five to three (its size until 2001) and that BPU headquarters be moved from Newark to Trenton, where the agency now has a second office.

The staff of 267 would be slashed by 10 percent to 20 percent.

http://www.northjersey.com/news/environment/82474852_Advisers_prefer_a_BPU_focused_on_business.html