The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) hosted its Energy and Environmental Policy Forum, a two-day conference focused on shaping the state’s energy and environmental priorities ahead of a pivotal election year, on Oct. 28 and 29 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Somerset. 

“We’re having an incredible discussion around the opportunities and challenges when it comes to energy and environmental policy,” said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka, who helped lead the forum. “We have over 50 experts who are all sharing their research, their ideas, their observations, their policy considerations for New Jersey’s next governor.” 

Ray Cantor, deputy chief government affairs officer at NJBIA, said the goal of the conference is to provide clear and balanced insight into the complex intersection of business, energy and environmental priorities. “We’re here to provide our members and the public with factual information, with policy options,” Cantor said. “The ultimate goal of all of this is how do we grow our economy in the best way for everyone. We need real solutions that are affordable, that work for the business community and that make New Jersey a safe and clean place to work and raise a family.” 

The program opened Tuesday with remarks from Dr. Zenon Christodoulou, commissioner of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, followed by panels on energy usage and reliability, climate change and urban redevelopment. Speakers from PJM Interconnection, Rutgers University and the Regional Plan Association discussed how energy demand, infrastructure and policy can align to meet the state’s environmental and economic goals. 

“There are a lot of good people working together, realizing that we have serious obstacles,” said Dr. Christodoulou. “They’re not going to go away by themselves. Everybody has to work together. Industry, government, community groups, they all have to work together to make sure that our supply is where we need it, when we need it, at a price that everyone can afford.” 

Following the panels, former Gov. Chris Christie delivered the keynote address during Tuesday’s luncheon, highlighting the importance of balancing environmental progress with affordability and business growth. Afternoon sessions included discussions on utility rate setting, plastics and recycling, nuclear energy and environmental justice, followed by panels on fusion technology, legal updates and federal energy policies under the Trump administration. 

Day 2 continued Wednesday with remarks from Jack Ciattarelli, introduced by Doug Heinrich of WGL, and featured fireside chats with Ralph LaRossa of PSEG and Mike Renna of SJI, both in conversation with NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka. The schedule also included remarks from Sen. Vin Gopal, speaking on behalf of the Mikie Sherrill campaign; a presentation from Jason Lemme of Hartree Partners breaking down what customers are actually paying for in their utility bills; and a keynote address from Asim Haque of PJM Interconnection. 

The two-day event concluded Wednesday afternoon with closing remarks and networking sessions.