# ReThink Energy NJ > ReThink Energy NJ is a campaign supporting a rapid transition away from reliance on fossil fuels and unneeded pipelines to clean, efficient, renewable energy like wind and solar in New Jersey. Website: https://rethinkenergynj.org --- ## [Home](https://rethinkenergynj.org/) New Jersey's clean energy future has arrived. With more than enough existing pipelines in our state to meet current and future energy demands, it's time to stop building unneeded, polluting fossil fuel infrastructure. The choice is clear: Renewable energy can't wait. **Current Action:** We urge you to call Governor Mikie Sherrill's office today and tell her there is no public necessity for the NESE pipeline in New Jersey, and residents should not be forced to accept damage to our air and water quality, marine wildlife, fishing industry, and tourism economy. [Take Action to Stop NESE](https://takeaction.io/njcf/call-gov-mikie-sherrill-and-ask-her-to-stop-nese/) New Jersey's future is electric — a new era, cleaner, healthier, more affordable, is upon New Jersey and the nation. --- ## [About Us](https://rethinkenergynj.org/about-us/) ReThink Energy NJ is a campaign of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation supporting a rapid transition away from reliance on fossil fuels and unneeded pipelines, to clean, efficient, renewable energy like wind and solar. The campaign works to stop unneeded gas pipeline projects in New Jersey and promote clean energy policies that will reduce emissions, create jobs, and make New Jersey healthier. Campaign Director Tom Gilbert and Research Director Barbara Blumenthal have led the organization's advocacy efforts, including testimony on New Jersey's Energy Master Plan, opposition to the PennEast, NESE, REAE, Southern Reliability Link, and Tennessee Gas Pipeline projects, and support for building electrification and offshore wind development. ReThink Energy NJ is supported by the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, which has worked for decades to preserve land and natural resources throughout New Jersey. --- ## [Take Action](https://rethinkenergynj.org/take-action/) New Jersey must stand strong for clean energy. Here are ways to get involved: - **Stop NESE:** Call Governor Mikie Sherrill's office to oppose the Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline. - **Write your legislators:** Send letters urging support for building electrification and clean energy standards. - **Attend hearings:** Participate in NJDEP and NJBPU public comment proceedings. - **Sign petitions:** Join thousands of New Jerseyans opposing unneeded fossil fuel projects. - **Donate:** Support ReThink Energy NJ's advocacy work. To oppose any current FERC pipeline proceedings, visit the FERC eComment page and reference the relevant docket number. --- ## [Pipelines](https://rethinkenergynj.org/pipelines/) New Jersey already has more than enough pipeline capacity to meet current and future energy demands. Yet pipeline companies continue to propose costly, polluting, and unneeded projects that would lock New Jersey into fossil fuel dependence for decades. ReThink Energy NJ has successfully challenged numerous pipeline projects, including the cancellation of the PennEast pipeline in 2021. Current active concerns include the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) project and the Regional Energy Access Expansion (REAE) project. Pipeline construction causes lasting damage to preserved open space, critical wildlife habitat, clean streams, and drinking water supplies. The evidence consistently shows New Jersey does not need new gas infrastructure — independent reports, the state's own rate counsel, and NJBPU analyses all confirm existing capacity is sufficient. --- ## [Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Project](https://rethinkenergynj.org/pipelines/northeast-supply-enhancement-nese-project/) The Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) project is a proposed expansion of Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company's (Transco/Williams) infrastructure in New Jersey. After years of opposition and multiple permit denials by NJDEP, the project has received final state approval, and environmental groups are continuing to fight it in court. NESE would expand compressor stations and lay new pipeline to deliver additional gas to New York City — a project serving New York, not New Jersey residents, while imposing environmental and health burdens on New Jersey communities. ReThink Energy NJ, the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, and coalition partners have consistently argued the project is unnecessary, harmful to water quality and marine ecosystems in Raritan Bay, and inconsistent with New Jersey's clean energy goals. Jane Fonda has publicly urged Governor Mikie Sherrill to reject the pipeline. Environmental groups are seeking court review of New Jersey's approval of this $1 billion interstate pipeline. --- ## [PennEast Pipeline (Cancelled)](https://rethinkenergynj.org/penneast/) The PennEast Pipeline was a proposed 116-mile natural gas pipeline that would have run from Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, to Mercer County, New Jersey. After years of sustained legal and civic opposition, PennEast Pipeline Company conceded to opposition and cancelled the project in September 2021. **Key milestones in stopping PennEast:** - NJDEP repeatedly denied PennEast's permit applications (2017, 2019). - The Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled PennEast could not condemn state-owned lands. - The NJ Attorney General challenged FERC's certificate in federal court. - PennEast petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court; while the Court ruled in PennEast's favor on the eminent domain question, PennEast simultaneously announced it would not condemn NJ lands and ultimately cancelled the project. - In December 2021, PennEast confirmed cancellation of the project to FERC. Independent energy experts, NJ's Rate Counsel, and the NJBPU all concluded the pipeline was not needed to meet demand. PennEast would have damaged 4,300 acres of preserved open space, 38 of the cleanest streams in the state, and critical habitat for threatened and endangered species including New Jersey's last remaining wild cats — bobcats. --- ## [Building Electrification](https://rethinkenergynj.org/building-electrification/) Buildings are the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey. Transitioning from fossil fuel heating to efficient electric alternatives — particularly heat pumps — is one of the most important steps New Jersey can take to reduce emissions, improve public health, and lower energy costs. **Key findings from Acadia Center reports commissioned by NJ Conservation Foundation:** - New Jerseyans in an average insulated gas-heated home can save 4% to 41% annually by switching to electric heat pumps. - Combining electric appliances with home weatherization can reduce energy bills by over 50% in a drafty home. - New Jersey gas customers can save thousands of dollars over time by weatherizing and converting to electric appliances. - Electrification makes buildings healthier and safer by eliminating indoor combustion pollution. In 2024, New Jersey introduced legislation to establish a statewide Healthy Building Standard (S249/A3366). A coalition of advocates launched the CLEAN (Clean Leadership for Energy Action Now) campaign to advance building electrification policy. Delaying the transition provides a windfall to fossil fuel interests while New Jersey consumers pay higher bills. The state's 2020 Energy Master Plan and Gov. Murphy's 2023 executive actions set goals to electrify heating in over 400,000 buildings by 2030. --- ## [Renewable Energy](https://rethinkenergynj.org/renewable-energy/) New Jersey has made significant strides toward a clean energy future: - A landmark 2018 clean energy bill requires 50% renewable energy by 2030 and a plan for 100% clean energy by 2050. - In 2023, Gov. Murphy set a goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035. - New Jersey has become a national leader in offshore wind development. - Clean energy jobs — in solar, wind, and energy efficiency — represent 79% of all energy jobs in the state, with 41,000 out of 52,000 total energy jobs in clean energy sectors. - New Jersey joined the U.S. Climate Alliance and Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Annual polling by ReThink Energy NJ consistently shows bipartisan support among New Jersey voters for renewable energy and concern about pipeline projects. In survey after survey, nine out of ten NJ voters say renewable energy is important to the state's health. --- ## [News](https://rethinkenergynj.org/news/) ReThink Energy NJ publishes news and analysis on clean energy policy, pipeline opposition, and New Jersey's energy transition. Recent coverage includes: - **A Fast-Path to Affordability: Understanding the Benefits of Energy-Only Resources in PJM** — Analysis of how energy-only resources can reduce electricity costs in the PJM regional grid. - **What Are Data Centers Doing to the Electric Grid? Experts Don't Know.** — Examination of the uncertain demand impacts of data center proliferation on grid planning. - **Lawmakers and Advocates Demand Reforms from PJM, Regional Grid Manager** — Coverage of growing pressure on PJM to reform its capacity market and interconnection processes. - **Final Permit Approved for Controversial NESE Pipeline Project Despite Years of Opposition** — Coverage of the state's approval of NESE permits and ongoing legal challenges. - **Jane Fonda Asks Mikie Sherrill to Reject Pipeline** — National advocacy figure joins call to stop NESE. - **Environmentalists Seek Court Review of NJ's Approval of $1B Interstate Pipeline** — Legal challenge to NESE state permits. - **With NESE Pipeline Back on Table, Coalition of Nonprofits Continues to Fight** — Update on advocacy coalition opposing NESE. [View All News](https://rethinkenergynj.org/news/) --- ## [Resources](https://rethinkenergynj.org/resources/) ReThink Energy NJ maintains a library of reports, polls, videos, and additional resources on New Jersey's energy landscape. ### Reports & Polls **Key reports on pipeline need and clean energy transition:** - **New Construction and the Future of Gas in Massachusetts** (ZeroCarbonMA) — Warns that utility gas reliance will cost homeowners thousands annually; clean energy builds cost the same or less. - **The Future Is Electric, Part II: How Average NJ Households Can Save by Electrifying** (Acadia Center for NJ Conservation Foundation) — NJ households can save 4%–69% on energy bills by electrifying. - **The Future Is Electric: Helping NJ Live in Cleaner, Healthier and More Affordable Homes** (Acadia Center) — Electrifying buildings is beneficial to all New Jerseyans. - **Environmental and Social Costs of Natural Gas Pipeline Development in the Delaware River Basin** — Quantifiable costs of pipeline development could reach $2.4 billion for two pipelines alone. - **Burning the Gas 'Bridge Fuel' Myth in New Jersey** (Oil Change International) — Natural gas cannot serve as a bridge to clean energy; NJ must reduce and eliminate gas by 2050. - **New Report Shows PennEast Pipeline Not Needed Under Any Scenario** — PennEast was a solution in search of a problem; not needed for reliability or cost savings. - **A Clean Energy Pathway for New Jersey** — NJ can cut electric sector carbon emissions in half by 2030. - **Analysis of the Southern Reliability Link** (Skipping Stone) — SRL pipeline was an over-priced, oversized answer to a problem that does not exist. **Annual clean energy polls (FDU PublicMind / ReThink Energy NJ):** - Seventh Annual 'Attitudes on Clean Energy' Poll (2021): Overwhelming majority of NJ voters concerned about climate change, support 100% clean energy goals. - Sixth Annual Poll (2020): NJ voters support clean energy investments 2-to-1 over fossil fuel recovery spending. - Fifth Annual Poll (2019): Overwhelming support for renewable energy and the state's 100% clean energy by 2050 initiative. - Earlier polls (2015–2018): Consistent bipartisan support for renewables; opposition to unneeded pipelines. ### Videos ReThink Energy NJ has produced dozens of videos on building electrification, offshore wind, pipeline dangers, and NJ's clean energy progress, including webinar recordings of C-Change Conversations: Climate Change 101 and Discussing New Jersey's Energy Master Plan. [View All Resources](https://rethinkenergynj.org/resources/) --- ## [Reports & Polls](https://rethinkenergynj.org/resources/reports-polls/) A full archive of reports and polls relevant to New Jersey's energy future, pipeline proposals, and clean energy economics. Includes independent analyses from Acadia Center, Oil Change International, Skipping Stone Energy, NJ Division of Rate Counsel, FDU PublicMind, Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2), and NJ Conservation Foundation. Reports are organized into two categories — research reports on energy policy and economics, and annual public opinion polls on clean energy attitudes among New Jersey voters. [View All Reports & Polls](https://rethinkenergynj.org/resources/reports-polls/) --- ## [Additional Resources](https://rethinkenergynj.org/resources/additional-resources/) Supplementary materials including toolkits for home clean energy action, fact sheets on pipeline health and safety risks, and links to partner organizations working on clean energy in New Jersey. [View Additional Resources](https://rethinkenergynj.org/resources/additional-resources/) --- ## [Case Studies](https://rethinkenergynj.org/resources/case-studies/) Real-world examples of New Jersey residents who have made the switch to clean energy, featuring their experiences with building electrification, cost savings, and improved home comfort. - **Burke Case Study** — A New Jersey homeowner's experience switching from fossil fuel heating to electric alternatives. - **Elhabr Case Study** — A New Jersey family's story of home electrification and the benefits they've experienced. [View All Case Studies](https://rethinkenergynj.org/resources/case-studies/) --- ## [Videos](https://rethinkenergynj.org/resources/videos/) A library of videos produced by ReThink Energy NJ covering building electrification, offshore wind, pipeline opposition, public health impacts of fossil fuels, and New Jersey's clean energy leadership. Topics include: - The Truth About Building Electrification - Discussing New Jersey's Energy Master Plan - New Jersey's Road to Recovery Is Green - Fossil Fuels Cause Air Pollution, Which Can Severely Impact Health - New Jersey Leads the Clean Energy Movement - NJ Is Moving Forward to 100% Clean Energy - Health Risks of Compressor Stations - Pipeline Explosions: Don't Let History Repeat Itself - We Stopped PennEast, But There's More Work To Be Done - C-Change Conversations: Climate Change 101 (webinar replay) - Discussing New Jersey's Energy Master Plan (webinar replay) [View All Videos](https://rethinkenergynj.org/resources/videos/) --- ## [Get Connected](https://rethinkenergynj.org/get-connected/) Sign up to receive ReThink Energy NJ email updates and stay informed on the latest clean energy news, action opportunities, and pipeline developments in New Jersey. Connect on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube @rethinkenergynj. --- ## [Donate](https://rethinkenergynj.org/donate/) Support ReThink Energy NJ's work fighting unneeded pipelines and advancing clean energy in New Jersey. Donations can be made via GoFundMe, PayPal/credit card, or by check. **By check payable to ReThink Energy NJ** (not tax deductible): New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Bamboo Brook, 170 Longview Road, Far Hills, NJ 07931 **By check payable to NJ Conservation Foundation** (in support of ReThink Energy NJ — tax deductible): Same address as above. --- ## [NJ Pipelines Overview](https://rethinkenergynj.org/nj-pipelines/) A comprehensive overview of the history of pipeline proposals in New Jersey and the sustained campaign to oppose them. Covers the PennEast pipeline (cancelled 2021), Southern Reliability Link (SRL) through the Pinelands, Garden State Expansion (GSE) compressor station, the NESE project, Tennessee Gas Pipeline (TGP) expansion, and the Regional Energy Access Expansion (REAE) project. New Jersey has more than enough pipeline capacity to meet demand. The NJBPU's own commissioned report found that current gas infrastructure can meet demand through at least 2030. Nonetheless, pipeline companies have continued to seek regulatory approval for unnecessary projects that would impose costs on ratepayers, harm the environment, and lock New Jersey into fossil fuel dependence. --- ## [Clean Energy Pathway for New Jersey](https://rethinkenergynj.org/cleanenergypathway/) Summary of a landmark 2017 study detailing how New Jersey can cut harmful carbon emissions from generating electric power in half by 2030 — an achievable, affordable, and essential step toward meeting New Jersey's 80% emission reduction target by 2050. Resources: - [Executive Summary](https://rethinkenergynj.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/CleanEnergyPathway_ExecutiveSummary_10317.pdf) - [Fact Sheet](https://rethinkenergynj.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/CleanEnergyPathway_Fact_Sheet.pdf) - [Full Report](https://rethinkenergynj.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/CleanEnergyPathway_Report_10317.pdf) --- ## [Home Energy Toolkit](https://rethinkenergynj.org/take-action-for-njs-clean-energy-future-at-home-toolkit/) A practical guide for New Jersey residents who want to take action for clean energy at home. Covers weatherization, electric appliances, heat pumps, solar panels, and other steps households can take to reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs. --- ## [ReThink Energy Investments Newsletter Archive](https://rethinkenergynj.org/rethinkenergyinvestments/) ReThink Energy Investments is a publication examining the investment risks of new pipeline proposals in New Jersey. The newsletter analyzed the financial and regulatory risks facing companies like PennEast as they sought to bring Marcellus Shale gas to market through New Jersey. Newsletter archive includes issues from 2016 through 2018 covering: PennEast delays and setbacks, FERC proceedings, court decisions, and the growing case against pipeline investment in New Jersey. --- ## [A Fast-Path to Affordability: Understanding the Benefits of Energy-Only Resources in PJM](https://rethinkenergynj.org/a-fast-path-to-affordability-understanding-the-benefits-of-energy-only-resources-in-pjm/) Analysis examining how energy-only resources — such as solar, wind, and storage — can provide a faster and more affordable path to grid reliability in the PJM regional electricity market than traditional capacity market approaches. The piece explores how reforming PJM's market rules could accelerate the clean energy transition and reduce costs for New Jersey ratepayers. --- ## [What Are Data Centers Doing to the Electric Grid? Experts Don't Know.](https://rethinkenergynj.org/what-are-data-centers-doing-to-the-electric-grid-experts-dont-know/) Examination of the rapidly growing electricity demand from data centers and the uncertainty it creates for grid planning in the PJM region. Experts disagree significantly on how much demand data centers will ultimately add, making long-term grid investment decisions more difficult and raising questions about whether new fossil fuel infrastructure is necessary to meet this uncertain demand. --- ## [Lawmakers and Advocates Demand Reforms from PJM, Regional Grid Manager](https://rethinkenergynj.org/lawmakers-and-advocates-demand-reforms-from-pjm-regional-grid-manager/) Coverage of growing pressure from lawmakers and clean energy advocates on PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator serving New Jersey and 12 other states, to reform its capacity market and interconnection queue processes. Critics argue PJM's current rules favor fossil fuel generators and create barriers to clean energy entry, raising costs for consumers. The Chesapeake Climate Action Network and other organizations are among those demanding reform. --- ## [NJCF Clean Campaign Coordinator](https://rethinkenergynj.org/njcf-clean-campaign-coordinator/) Information about the New Jersey Conservation Foundation's Clean Campaign Coordinator role, supporting advocacy work on clean energy and pipeline opposition across New Jersey. --- ## [2017 Year in Review](https://rethinkenergynj.org/2017-year-in-review/) A summary of ReThink Energy NJ's accomplishments in 2017, including: - 1,000 people urged gubernatorial candidates to commit to clean energy. - The NJ Senate passed a landmark clean energy bill (Assembly still needed to act). - NJDEP denied PennEast's illegal permit application. - More than 400 residents told the Pinelands Commission that the SRL pipeline is unneeded. - Mothers rallied in Trenton to demand a clean energy future. - 1,000 people sent letters to Governor-elect Murphy about his 100% clean energy pledge. - More than 4,000 Twitter followers and nearly 20,000 Facebook likes. --- ## [C-Change Conversations: Climate Change 101 (Webinar Replay)](https://rethinkenergynj.org/webinar-replay-climate-change-101-april-2020/) Recording of the April 22, 2020 webinar from Part 1 of the series "The Climate Crisis, Clean Energy, and New Jersey's Leadership." Kathleen Biggins of C-Change Conversations and Tom Gilbert of ReThink Energy NJ addressed the impacts of climate change globally and locally. Co-sponsored by Princeton Public Library and New Jersey Conservation Foundation. --- ## [Discussing New Jersey's Energy Master Plan (Webinar Replay)](https://rethinkenergynj.org/webinar-replay-discussing-new-jerseys-energy-master-plan/) Recording of the June 26, 2020 webinar, Part 2 of "The Climate Crisis, Clean Energy, and New Jersey's Leadership." Clean energy experts discussed how New Jersey is leading the way to a 100% clean energy future. Participants: - Tom Gilbert, Campaign Director, ReThink Energy NJ and NJ Conservation Foundation - Barbara Blumenthal, Research Director, NJ Conservation Foundation - Eric Miller, Director of NJ Energy Policy, NRDC - Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, NJ League of Conservation Voters --- ## [Register as a FERC Intervenor (PennEast/REAE)](https://rethinkenergynj.org/ferc-docket-instructions-intervenor/) Step-by-step instructions for registering as an official intervenor in FERC proceedings related to pipeline projects, giving citizens the legal standing to challenge FERC decisions in court. Covers how to register on the FERC website, how to file a Motion to Intervene, and what to include in an intervenor statement opposing a project. --- ## [Help Protect North Jersey Communities from the Tennessee Gas Pipeline](https://rethinkenergynj.org/help-protect-north-jersey-communities-from-the-tennessee-gas-pipeline/) The Tennessee Gas Pipeline (TGP) sought to expand its fossil gas pipeline through North Jersey by building a compressor station and tripling the size of an existing compressor. Over the past decade, TGP had 111 significant pipeline incidents causing almost $90 million in property damage. Compressor stations release toxic air pollution linked to nosebleeds, nausea, asthma, and neurological conditions. The project would serve New York, not New Jersey, while imposing health and environmental risks on North Jersey communities. Advocates urged NJDEP to reject TGP's permit application. --- ## [Support Building Electrification (2022 NJBPU Letter Campaign)](https://rethinkenergynj.org/support-building-electrification-for-cleaner-healthier-more-affordable-energy/) A 2022 Acadia Center report confirmed that electrifying building heating is beneficial to all New Jerseyans, making buildings healthier and safer while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. New Jersey was falling behind other states in reducing building-sector emissions. This campaign urged New Jersey legislators to review the report and make building electrification a priority. Delaying the transition provides a windfall to fossil fuel interests while consumers pay higher bills. --- ## [Urge Gov. Murphy to Challenge REAE Project (January 2023)](https://rethinkenergynj.org/january-2023-gov-murphy-reae-letter/) Despite a NJBPU report showing current gas infrastructure can meet demand through 2030, FERC granted a certificate for the Regional Energy Access Expansion (REAE) project — expanding natural gas compressor stations in Branchburg, Old Bridge, and West Deptford. The unneeded REAE project would result in over 16 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually and increase pollution in overburdened communities. This campaign urged Gov. Murphy to challenge FERC's flawed approval. --- ## [Thank Gov. Murphy for Clean Energy Actions (February 2023)](https://rethinkenergynj.org/february-2023-gov-murphy-clean-energy-letter/) On February 15, 2023, Gov. Murphy announced executive actions accelerating New Jersey's clean energy targets, including a goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035, plans to electrify heating in over 400,000 buildings by 2030 using federal funding, a process to plan for the future of gas utilities as fossil fuels are phased out, and measures to advance electric vehicles and protect communities from extreme weather. --- ## [NJBPU Building Electrification Letter Campaign (2023)](https://rethinkenergynj.org/2023-njbpu-be-letter-campaign-july-2023/) A 2023 campaign urging the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to prioritize building electrification in its energy planning. New Jersey households can achieve significant savings and health benefits by transitioning from fossil fuel heating to efficient electric heat pumps, and the BPU's planning processes needed to reflect this opportunity. --- ## [NJBPU Building Electrification Letter Campaign (2024)](https://rethinkenergynj.org/2024-be-letter-campaign/) A 2024 follow-up campaign urging NJBPU to accelerate building electrification policy implementation, citing reports showing New Jersey households can save thousands of dollars annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by switching from gas to electric appliances. --- ## [Privacy Policy](https://rethinkenergynj.org/privacy/) ReThink Energy NJ's privacy policy governing data collection and use for the campaign website. ---