New Jersey
New Jersey’s energy future must be resilient. Here’s a tool that can help | Opinion
3-minute read
Phil Murphy discusses clean energy during 2026 NJ budget address
Gov. Phil Murphy discusses clean energy efforts in New Jersey during his 2026 state budget address.
There is no doubt that our climate is changing. The frequency and severity of extreme weather events impacting local communities across the country have increased dramatically. According to the American Red Cross, the number of billion-dollar disaster response events in the last decade has grown five-fold compared to the 1980s. While one factor impacting climate change is our reliance on high carbon intensity energy, the path forward cannot be reduced to a simple choice between fossil fuels and full electrification.
Over recent decades, society has made major strides in energy efficiency — from appliances to building construction — and we’ve seen innovation across energy production and delivery that has lowered the cost and carbon footprint of traditional fuels. Meanwhile, renewable energy technologies have advanced rapidly, offering even cleaner energy options. Yet, despite this progress, the national debate around climate change solutions and energy policy has become increasingly polarized. The narrative has become a binary one: stick with fossil fuels or embrace full electrification.
This false choice is both misleading and counterproductive. What society truly needs is affordable, reliable, low carbon-intensity energy that is available on-demand — and this need is growing more urgent by the day.
As a leader in an energy business that has delivered on-demand fuel to local communities for nearly a century, I’ve seen firsthand how energy demand shifts — especially for heating — and how critical it is to have access to energy when and where it’s needed. I’ve also witnessed the hardship that follows when that access is lost. In just the past year, devastating wildfires, hurricanes and historic floods have left families without homes, power or safety. These events have a very human cost: lives lost, livelihoods disrupted and communities forever changed.
In times of crisis, our electric grid — though essential — has shown its vulnerabilities. When the grid fails, people suffer. And increasingly, it does fail under pressure. That’s why energy resilience must be treated as a core pillar of our energy future, alongside sustainability and affordability. We cannot ignore the need for redundancy, flexibility and accessibility in our energy systems.
Propane can help fill gaps in demand for energy
Propane is one often-overlooked solution that can play a vital role in filling that gap. It’s a reliable, clean-burning energy source used by millions of Americans every day. Because of its portable infrastructure and availability, propane is one of the most accessible on-demand energy sources. When the grid goes down — whether from wildfire, hurricane, or ice storm — propane-powered generators keep critical services operational. During recent flooding in the southeast, propane helped restore power, feed displaced families and heat emergency shelters.
Importantly, propane operates independently of the electric grid. As a distributed energy source, it provides communities with a resilient backup that can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively. This kind of infrastructure matters — not just for disaster response, but for long-term energy planning.
We have to manage the shift to renewables through economic reality
We also have to recognize that the transition to lower carbon alternatives must be grounded in economic reality. Millions of Americans live with energy insecurity, where fluctuating costs force impossible choices — like heating their homes or feeding their families. As demand for electricity is projected to rise by 55% in the next two decades — driven in part by the growth of AI and data centers — overreliance on a single energy system could raise costs and strain reliability.
Abandoning existing infrastructure before new systems are fully viable will only add to the financial burden on vulnerable communities. A resilient energy future cannot afford to be ideological—it must be practical.
It’s time to move beyond the binary. The future of energy is not either-or — it’s both-and. Yes, we must reduce emissions. Yes, we must invest in renewables. But we must also prioritize resilience, affordability and access. Propane is one tool — among many — that can help us meet those goals today, not just years down the road.
The climate will continue to change. Our response must be bold, but also thoughtful. Real progress will come not through rigid mandates, but through collaboration — between businesses, government and researchers — to innovate, bring down costs, expand access and protect people.
Let’s move beyond the binary and build an energy future that truly works—for everyone.
Michael Stivala is president and CEO of Suburban Propane.
PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) — One person was killed and three others were injured in a shooting in Paterson.
The violence erupted around 6:30 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of East 29th Street and 10th Avenue.
Children nearby gasped in horror at the sound of rapid gunfire. They were just about to sing Happy Birthday to their 13-year-old friend at her backyard party, but instead of blowing out the candles, they ducked for cover when they heard gunshots in the distance.
“Just hearing it – it was scary to witness, to hear. Especially on my birthday. Like a time I’m trying to play with my friends, get together,” said the 13-year-old.
She also says she had a friend who was there who saw what happened.
“He was going to the bodega – he went running back, but he had saw two people come out of a car and then shoot, but it was like an automatic gun,” she added.
Bystanders watched in shock and panic as first responders treated the victims. One of them was lying in the street next to a car and another was on the ground next to a bicycle.
Local councilman Luis Velez says the City of Paterson has taken measures to reduce crime in this part of town – what he calls a ‘hotspot’ — in part by installing security cameras. He is encouraging the community to cooperate.
“Paterson Police is doing their job as I know, they’re doing a great job to reduce crime, but one again we, the police, nobody, not even the news media has a crystal ball to say this is going to happen now,” Velez said, “Some people see corners getting built up, they see activities and they’re afraid to come out and say something, but our police department is trained to keep it confidential and approach to bring the quality of life in this area.”
The 13-year-old hopes her next birthday party is not ruined by the sound of gunshots.
“First we thought it was fireworks, but then we heard sirens and everyone started going home because they were scared,” she added.
Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Let’s be honest, we didn’t need a national list to tell us this. New Jersey has the best restaurants, the best food, and some of the most talented chefs anywhere in America.
It’s something locals have been saying forever, and now the rest of the country is catching up. Still, it’s always nice to see that recognition on a big stage.
We Already Knew New Jersey Was the Best
USA TODAY’s 2026 Restaurants of the Year list highlights standout dining destinations across the country.
From humble roadside gems to chef-driven hotspots earning major buzz, the list celebrates places that truly stand out, and New Jersey showed up in a big way.
Three New Jersey Spots Earn National Recognition
This year, three Garden State restaurants made the prestigious list:
- The Pasta Shop – Denville
- Ram & Rooster – Metuchen
- Anjelica’s – Sea Bright
And yes, that includes a Jersey Shore favorite, because of course it does.
These restaurants represent everything people love about dining in New Jersey, quality, creativity, and flavors that keep you coming back.
A Jersey Shore Standout Shines
There’s something special about seeing a Jersey Shore restaurant included among the best in America. It’s not just about great food, it’s about the full experience, the atmosphere, and that unmistakable local charm.
Anjelica’s in Sea Bright earning a spot only reinforces what shore locals already know: some of the best meals you’ll ever have are right here, close to home.
No Surprise, Just Well-Deserved
At the end of the day, this recognition feels less like a surprise and more like confirmation. New Jersey’s food scene has always been top-tier, and lists like this just make it official.
Keep Reading: Beloved New Jersey Restaurant is Closing
So whether you’re heading to Denville, Metuchen, or down the shore, you already know, you’re in for something special.
PHOTOS: Step Inside a 1970s Kitchen — 34 Things You’ll Recognize
From Tupperware jugs (you know the ones) to those ever-present knife sharpeners, let’s take a nostalgic trip back to the quintessential ’70s kitchen.
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
If You Grew Up in the ’70s and ’80s, These Foods Were Super Fancy
From Babybels to Toblerone chocolate, take a nostalgic bite out of these ‘fancy’ childhood foods that made us feel way more elegant than we really were.
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
FIFA and New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill have become embroiled in a war of words this past week as the prospect of $150 train tickets to travel to World Cup games and plans to close parts of New York’s Penn Station have angered residents.
The recent uproar began after reports surfaced April 6 that parts of Penn Station would be closed to NJ Transit commuters not attending World Cup games for four hours before kickoff during the eight matches at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
Advertisement
Moreover, round-trip train tickets between Penn Station in Manhattan and MetLife Stadium, where the final of the FIFA World Cup is set to be played, were announced by NJ Transit to come in at $150 per person.
A return ride on the same line typically costs $12.90, according to NJ Transit.
The FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed during the Los Angeles stop of The FIFA World Cup 26 Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola at LA Live in Los Angeles on March 24, 2026.
In a press release on April 17, Sherrill said the move to increase prices was caused by FIFA’s decision to eliminate parking at MetLife Stadium. The Democratic governor said price increases happened because FIFA did not agree to cover the costs of transporting fans.
“We are committed to ensuring costs are shared fairly. As I have said repeatedly, FIFA should cover the cost of transporting its fans. If it won’t, we will not be subsidizing World Cup ticket holders on the backs of New Jerseyans who rely on NJ TRANSIT every day,” Sherrill said.
Advertisement
More: Going to World Cup at MetLife Stadium? Expect $150 train tickets and no parking
FIFA, on the other hand, has said the price increase would have a “chilling effect” on fans attending games in New Jersey and said Sherrill’s demands asking FIFA to absorb transportation costs for fans were “unprecedented.”
“Elevated fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options. This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup,” Heimo Schirgi, COO for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, said in a statement to USA TODAY.
The NJ Transit logo is seen in the lobby of the New Jersey Transit headquarters ahead of a press briefing on the New York/New Jersey FIFA World Cup 2026 regional mobility plan in Newark, New Jersey on April 17, 2026.
What are other cities doing with World Cup transportation?
New Jersey has not been the only place where transportation costs have been the subject of discussion ahead of the World Cup. In Boston, round-trip train train tickets on the MBTA from Boston’s South Station to Gillette Stadium are being sold for $80.
Advertisement
Special event trains to Foxborough for New England Patriots NFL games and New England Revolution MLS matches are usually $20 for a round trip, according to local news station CBS Boston.
Other cities have not seen increases like the ones in New Jersey and Boston. In Atlanta, for example, train fares on the city’s MARTA will be $2.50 per ride, with children able to travel for free with a paying adult.
Kansas City is offering $15 round-trip shuttle rides for fans parking in four different park-and-ride locations, as well as those coming from FIFA’s Fan Festival in the city. Los Angeles, on the other hand, is offering fans a $3.50 round trip train ticket on its Metro Train.
SEPTA in Philadelphia is also keeping its prices low, with fans set to pay the base $2.90 fare for a ride on its Broad Street Line, which takes riders to Lincoln Financial Field, set to host six matches.
Advertisement
Katie Sobko from USA TODAY Network’s NorthJersey.com contributed to this report.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: World Cup fans going to MetLife Stadium to pay $150 for NJT ticket
-
Missouri4 minutes ago
Missouri Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for April 18, 2026
-
Montana10 minutes ago
Montana Lottery Powerball, Lotto America results for April 18, 2026
-
Nebraska16 minutes agoGallery: Huskers Run-Rule No. 12 USC to Take Series
-
Nevada22 minutes agoIN RESPONSE: Cortez Masto lands bill would keep the proceeds in Nevada
-
New Hampshire28 minutes agoNew Hampshire grapples with nuclear waste storage – Valley News
-
New Jersey34 minutes agoNearby shooting interrupts 13-year-old’s birthday party in Paterson; 1 killed, 3 injured
-
New Mexico40 minutes agoCalm and warmer conditions move into New Mexico
-
North Carolina46 minutes agoMemorial service held for former Miss North Carolina Carrie Everett