Legislators Slam Murphy’s Energy Policy

Capitol Comments

10th Legislative District

Senator Jim Holzapfel Assemblyman Greg McGuckin

TRENTON - Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano (all R-10 th) warned that Governor Murphy’s extreme energy policies that would ban affordable natural gas will drive up energy costs for utility payers and make the state more unaffordable for low- and middle-income families.

“Governor Murphy’s extreme energy plan is a complete upheaval of our energy portfolio in favor of expensive offshore wind that will raise costs for utility payers in the Garden State. Sadly, Governor Murphy has shown no interest in working across the aisle to diversify our energy

EMS:

Continued From Page 5 heighten the risk of heart attacks as blood encounters difficulties moving through blood vessels. Thankfully, Neil is now under medication to address this situation.

Linda and Neil are both extremely grateful for the care they received starting with the initial call to 911 and to each and every professional that helped save Neil’s life. However, Linda still wonders what would have happened if the ambulance didn’t portfolio in a way that benefits not only the environment, but taxpayers too,” said Sen. Holzapfel.

“In fact, Governor Murphy and Trenton Democrats wasted $1 billion to bail out Orsted for the sake of keeping their misplaced energy priorities alive instead of giving that money back to utility customers. The Garden State needs safe, reliable, and affordable energy options that reduce costs rather than raise them.”

At the expense of New Jersey taxpayers, Governor Murphy approved a $1 billion bailout for Orsted, a Danish energy company that is owned by the Danish government, for the purpose of developing costly wind turbines off the coast of the Garden State. Rhode Island had similar complications with Orsted over development costs, but opted to walk away from the deal as the proposed project was not in the best respond as quickly as it did. She plans to submit a petition to Toms River authorities asking for round-the-clock coverage on the barrier islands.

Ambulance Coverage

Like most Ocean County towns, volunteers ride the ambulances within their communities. Volunteerism was already experiencing a decline well before COVID struck.

The problem hits home for Toms River Councilman Kevin Geoghegan. He first be- interest of their taxpayers. came a volunteer with Silverton EMS when he was just 16 years old and a paramedic at age 18. Geoghegan is a retired Toms River police sergeant who created the township’s EMS program in 2002.

Holiday City Lakes (Upper/Lower), Yorktowne Boulevard/Mt. Carmel Boulevard, Toms River Township, Ocean County, New Jersey may have aquatic pesticides applied on or between August 12 2023 and September 11, 2023 for aquatic vegetation control with Tribune (diquat dibromide), and/or Renovate MAXG (triclopyr+2,4-d), and/ or AquaNeat (glyphosate), and/or ClipperSC (flumioxazin), and/or SonarOne (fluridone), and/or Captain (copper), and/or Cutrine Ultra (copper), and/or copper sulfate, and/or Navigate (2,4-D) by boat tank sprayer equipment by Princeton Hydro, LLC (NJDEP #97186A), 35 Clark Street, Suite 200, Trenton, NJ 08611. There may be an irrigation/ watering restriction 30 days. Upon request, the pesticide applicator or applicator business shall provide a resident with notification at least 12 hours prior to the application, except for Quarantine and Disease Vector Control only, when conditions necessitate pesticide applications sooner than that time. Emergency Information, contact NJ Poison Information and Education System 800-222-1222, National Pesticide Information Center 800-858-7378 for routine health inquiries, information about signs/symptoms of pesticide exposure, Pesticide Control Program 609984-6666 “This number is for pesticide regulation information, pesticide complaints and health referrals”. Other information contact Tyler, Senior Field Operations Manager, Princeton Hydro, LLC, 908-237-5660.

“While Governor Murphy sits atop his ivory tower picking winners and losers to advance his extreme energy master plan he is ignoring the reality of low- and middle-income families. Taxpayers simply cannot afford the estimated $1.4 trillion price tag associated with electrifying their homes and businesses by replacing their natural gas stoves, furnaces, and hot water heaters,” said Asm. McGuckin. “The reality of Governor Murphy’s proposed ban on natural gas is that it would lead to higher costs and fewer options at the expense of homeowners and businesses. Governor Murphy shouldn’t dictate how New Jerseyans heat their homes or cook their food.” A proposal was crafted that could lead to affordable natural gas being phased out in New Jersey. The building decarbonization plan could force millions of homeowners to fully electrify their homes and replace their natural gas appliances and mechanical systems.

More than two decades later, Geoghegan said there are fewer paramedic units and paramedics in Ocean County. Meanwhile, the population has dramatically increased.

“The biggest issue is EMS is not a required service in the State of New Jersey,” shared Geoghegan. “It’s not covered by your tax dollars. Towns must provide police protection or contract with the state police or another town, but they’re not required to provide fi re or sanitation either.”

Geoghegan said that in the past, two separate fi rst aid squads existed in the beach area. However, they closed due to a lack of membership and public support from the community. Again, not enough people were either interested in or able to volunteer.

“There is absolutely EMS service available to the barrier islands, just like there’s fi re service 24/7,” emphasized Geoghegan.

The problem may well be a delay, something Geoghegan suggested happens in every community. For example, ambulance workers can be tied up on a lift assist when

Governor Murphy also announced the fi ling of a rule that would force car manufacturers to only sell electric vehicles (EVs) in the state by 2035. Although EVs will be the only cars allowed to be sold by manufacturers, Governor Murphy said that consumers are not “obligated” to purchase EVs.

“The hypocrisy of the Murphy administration has shown no limits as he tries to force electric vehicles down the throats of consumers after using taxpayer dollars to purchase an expensive fleet of gas-powered SUVs earlier in the year. Why didn’t he lead by example and purchase a fleet of EVs if the environment is truly his number one concern?” Asm. Catalano asked. “Governor Murphy has shown that the rules simply do not apply to him, his administration, or other top Democrat officials in New Jersey. It’s beyond ridiculous to tell consumers they are under no ‘obligation’ to buy EVs after he’s taken away every other choice.” a call comes in of a more critical nature. The gravity of the situation has reached a point where many towns have entertained the idea of employing paid EMS workers. Nonetheless, even paid ambulance services are encountering challenges in recruiting personnel. Conversations among Ocean County officials about establishing a regional EMS team have been ongoing for a while now.

“We are looking at the numbers,” Deputy Director of the Commissioners Gary Quinn acknowledged. “We are looking at three units, one over in the barrier islands, one in the southern end of the county, and one in the central part. At least, we’d be giving some relief for some of these towns that just can’t service these calls when they come in.”

Quinn said that the emphasis includes fi nding the right people, providing comprehensive training, and ensuring their compensation is sufficient to prevent workers from seeking higher-paying alternatives elsewhere.

“At the end of the day, if we can prevent the loss of one human life,” continued Quinn. “I don’t care what the cost is – it’s something we need to do.”

Toms River Fire Company #2 Ra e

TOMS RIVER – Toms River Fire Company #2 will be hosting a raffle with proceeds benefitting the company.

Donation is $20 per ticket. Winners will be drawn at 7 p.m. on October 3 on the Toms River Fire Company #2 Facebook page.

Winners do not need to be present to win.

1st Prize: Cairns N5A Large Black Leather Helmet

2nd Prize: Yeti Tundra 45 Hard Cooler. See any Toms River Fire Company #2 member in person to get your tickets.