SHCCNJ President & CEO John Lucas Delivers Remarks at Power NJ Act Signing 

John Lucas, president and CEO of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ), joined Gov. Mikie Sherrill, legislative leaders and members of New Jersey's business community today in Trenton at the New Jersey State House for the signing of the Power NJ Act, legislation designed to strengthen New Jersey's long-term energy capacity while protecting ratepayers. 

Representing New Jersey's business community, Lucas highlighted the importance of reliable, affordable and scalable energy to the state's small businesses and emphasized that energy policy is economic policy. 

"The Power NJ Act is an important step forward in strengthening New Jersey's business community and economy through reliable, affordable and scalable energy. When businesses can better manage energy costs and plan with confidence, they are better positioned to invest, hire and grow," said Lucas. 

During his remarks, Lucas noted that rising energy costs have become one of the largest operating expenses for many businesses, influencing decisions about hiring, investment, expansion and pricing. He also emphasized the important role entrepreneurs play across industries that both depend on and help build New Jersey's energy future, from restaurants and retail to construction, renewable energy, solar installation, advanced manufacturing and other emerging sectors. 

Lucas welcomed the Power NJ Act's emphasis on transparency, fiscal accountability and protections for ratepayers while recognizing that meeting New Jersey's growing energy needs will require a balanced energy portfolio that includes renewable energy, battery storage and advanced nuclear technologies working together to strengthen reliability, improve affordability and meet future demand. 

As implementation of the Power NJ Act begins, the Chamber looks forward to working with the Sherrill administration and policymakers to ensure New Jersey's small business community continues to have a voice in shaping the state's energy future.