Bill Text: NJ SCR19 | 2026-2027 | Regular Session | Introduced

New Jersey Senate Concurrent Resolution 19

Introduced

Bill Title: Encourages Executive Branch and local government entities to use optimization modeling tools to evaluate energy policies and support sustainable, cost-effective, and health-conscious planning.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)

Status: (Introduced) 2026-01-13 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee [SCR19 Detail]

Download: New_Jersey-2026-SCR19-Introduced.html

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 19

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

222nd LEGISLATURE

PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2026 SESSION

Sponsored by:

Senator BOB SMITH

District 17 (Middlesex and Somerset)

SYNOPSIS

Encourages Executive Branch and local government entities to use optimization modeling tools to evaluate energy policies and support sustainable, cost-effective, and health-conscious planning.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.

A Concurrent Resolution encouraging the exploration of optimization modeling tools by Executive Branch and local government entities.

Whereas, New Jersey ratepayers are experiencing rising and volatile energy prices and are seeking long-term, sustainable relief; and

Whereas, Local and regional authorities across the State face mounting challenges due to climate change, urbanization, limited natural resources, aging infrastructure, and the need for resilient energy systems; and

Whereas, State-level energy policy is critical in stabilizing energy costs, reducing emissions, and advancing environmental and economic goals; and

Whereas, The State must evaluate future technology investment scenarios and fuel consumption patterns across key energy demand sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors; and

Whereas, Comprehensive modeling and scenario analysis are essential tools for articulating the cost-benefit tradeoffs of the goals set forth in the State's Energy Master Plan; and

Whereas, Understanding the interrelationship among energy system technologies, emissions, and environmental and public health consequences is vital in anticipating impacts and identifying potential co-benefits; and

Whereas, Medium-term to long-term scenario modeling can inform policymakers of how emissions trends may evolve with the adoption of new technologies, fuel switching, and increasing sector-wide energy efficiency; and

Whereas, Such tools should allow users to customize scenarios, incorporate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, consider water availability for electricity generation, and account for associated economic costs; and

Whereas, Models developed by New Jersey's public universities can support local planning agencies and stakeholders in understanding the costs and benefits of different technology and infrastructure deployment strategies; and

Whereas, Energy-environment-economic optimization modeling can assist in identifying cost-effective and environmentally sound strategies for electric power generation and meeting end-use energy demands; and

Whereas, States across the country are pursuing pathways to stimulate economic growth while achieving environmental targets and managing constrained resources; and

Whereas, Integrated modeling tools that equilibrate energy supply and demand across multiple geographic scales can provide decision makers with the data and insights necessary to navigate the State's rapidly evolving energy landscape; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED (by the Senate of the State of New Jersey (the General Assembly concurring):)

1. The Legislature of the State of New Jersey respectfully encourages the Executive Branch and local government entities throughout the State to explore and support the development and use of comprehensive energy-environment-economic optimization modeling tools to inform energy policy and planning decisions. These tools should be designed to assist State and local policymakers in evaluating the environmental, economic, and public health impacts of energy policy options, and to ensure the effective, data-driven advancement of the State's energy and climate goals.

2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly or the Secretary of the Senate to the Governor of the State of New Jersey, the President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and the Commissioner of Environmental Protection.

STATEMENT

This concurrent resolution encourages the Executive Branch and local government entities to explore and adopt energy-environment-economic optimization modeling tools to inform energy policy and planning decisions. These tools are designed and intended to help State and local policymakers evaluate the long-term costs, benefits, and tradeoffs of various energy strategies, including technology adoption, emissions reduction, renewable energy portfolio standards, and green infrastructure investments. By employing comprehensive scenario analyses, New Jersey can more effectively align its energy policies with its environmental, economic, and public health goals. This resolution also recognizes the value of models developed by New Jersey's public universities in supporting data-driven and locally relevant planning efforts.