The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) is preparing to host its 5th Annual Energy & Environmental Policy Forum on October 28-29. The event will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Somerset Hotel and Conference Center and will feature more than 50 speakers and panelists discussing issues that impact New Jersey’s energy and environmental policies.
Ray Cantor, NJBIA Deputy Chief Government Affairs Officer, commented on the evolution of the forum: “Initially, you wonder if energy and environment is going to be too wonky or niche of a topic for a large-scale event,” said Cantor, who has decades of high-level positions in the legislative and executive branches of government and a former chief adviser to New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin.
“But as we’ve seen increasingly every year, energy and environment really have become kitchen-table issues, in terms of affordability, reliability and what’s best for our state. To be able to get such a large cluster of the top subject matter experts in the state and in the nation at this forum, and to cover so much ground, has been very gratifying and it reaffirms the need for such a program as it continues to grow every year.”
This year’s conference includes appearances from gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli and Senator Vin Gopal, who will serve as campaign surrogate for Mikie Sherrill. Former governors Chris Christie and Tom Kean are among eight individuals set to receive NJBIA awards during the event. Chris Christie will also deliver a keynote address.
A range of professionals from various sectors are scheduled to speak at the forum. The agenda features representatives from government agencies, private industry, academia, law firms, advocacy groups, utilities companies, policy organizations, recycling businesses, food councils, legal practices specializing in environmental law, sustainability officers from major corporations like Colgate-Palmolive and ExxonMobil, as well as leaders from organizations involved with renewable energy initiatives.
The full agenda is available online for those interested in further details about topics or speakers.
The annual gathering has become an important platform for dialogue on key challenges facing New Jersey’s energy future—including affordability concerns for residents and businesses as well as regulatory developments affecting both sectors statewide.
