In recent school referendums, local officials proposed costly education plans, asking voters to approve funding. The people decisively rejected these proposals, reflecting the principles of democracy: The government presents its case, and the people decide. However, on larger state-level issues like climate change, this process falters.

According to the New Jersey Constitution, the people’s will is expressed through the elected Legislature, and the governor is tasked with carrying it out. Yet, this governor has sidestepped that process with executive orders, to our detriment.

In New Jersey, the governor has imposed massive climate change regulations without substantive public input, and the consequences are stark.

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The people of New Jersey must ask themselves: Are we willing to pay significantly more for electricity to mitigate climate change?

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Yes, climate change is real, and all of us, not just the governor, want to protect the planet we call home. But the question is, do the people of New Jersey face this challenge together, or are we mere bystanders while the governor acts alone? Ignoring the democratic process creates two problems: 1) the governor lacks public support for the sacrifices required, and 2) valuable voices with insights go unheard.

One glaring result of these policies is the steep rise in electricity rates, making energy unaffordable for many families. The disconnect between government action and public needs is clear, and people are asking: Why were these changes implemented without public approval? This raises serious concerns about our democracy, where decisions of such magnitude should be guided by the people’s representatives.

Years ago, I attended a public meeting where electricity suppliers said they were working to reduce consumption. It seemed odd — why would an electricity company want us to use less of their product? Now, instead of responding to the market, power companies follow government directives. But at what cost? Many families now face higher bills they can’t afford, making painful choices just to keep the lights on.

The Herald has repeatedly tried to engage with the Board of Public Utilities for answers, but they refuse to communicate with us. This lack of transparency raises suspicions that the public is being kept in the dark. The people of New Jersey must ask themselves: Are we willing to pay significantly more for electricity to mitigate climate change?

One glaring example of poor decision-making is the closure of a local power plant due to regulatory mandates. This plant had provided affordable energy for years, and now we must buy more expensive power. Wind energy was touted as a cheap solution, supposedly adding only a dollar and a half to each household’s bill. But Europe’s experience suggests otherwise, where climate initiatives have drastically increased energy costs. Was this “dollar and a half” claim a ploy to obscure the real future costs?

The truth is, government officials have taken control of energy production, leaving us with higher bills and fewer choices. Instead of transparency and allowing the public to make informed decisions, leaders have pushed their own agendas. We must return to a government that truly represents the people, one that bases decisions on public input, as worked out by our Legislature.

With state elections approaching, we must demand that candidates explain their plans to address rising energy costs. We need leaders who understand the struggles of everyday people and will be transparent. It’s time to restore representative democracy and put power back in the hands of the people.

A New York Times article from Sept. 20, 2024, noted that Earth’s temperature has fluctuated significantly over the past 56 million years. Do the people of New Jersey believe we have a moral obligation to limit our carbon emissions? If so, how much of our income are we willing to sacrifice for decarbonization goals? These are broad, long-term questions that the people, not a short-term governor, must answer. The N.J. Constitution requires such issues be debated in our Assembly and Senate, not decided by executive orders.

Quotes from the Bible

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. –Matthew 5:8