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The basics:

• NJBIA hosted 5th Annual Energy & Environmental Policy Forum Oct. 28–29 in Somerset
• 50+ speakers from government, industry, academia and advocacy discussed energy and environmental policy
• Gubernatorial campaigns shared perspectives
• Award honorees included former Govs. Chris Christie, Tom Kean

NJBIZ was on the scene the Oct. 28–29 at the New Jersey Business & Industry Association’s 5th Annual Energy & Environmental Policy Forum.

The event took place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Somerset Hotel and Conference Center. It featured over 50 speakers spanning government, industry, academia and advocacy. Among them, top leaders in the energy/environmental space also discussed critical issues around the state’s energy and environmental policy.

The forum also included remarks from the gubernatorial campaigns – just days before election. Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli and Democratic state Sen. Vin Gopal, as a surrogate for candidate Mikie Sherrill, offered the perspectives of the potential incoming administrations.

“We’re going to talk about all of the critical issues around future energy in New Jersey, our environmental assets – and how they are important to us. And what we need to do to make sure that they remain with us for years to come into the future,” said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka at the start of the forum. “We have over 50 amazing speakers and some incredible awards to give out.

“We’ll hear the candidates’ positions – and in our next governor, what the future looks like for their administration for energy and environment here in our great State of New Jersey.”

Presenting the facts

The NJBIA noted that while this was the fifth iteration of the conference – it marks the first time making it a two-day event, bringing the energy and environmental issues together.

“I’m glad everyone was able to be here. This is our fifth year doing this – and it’s grown each and every year,” said NJBIA Deputy Chief of Government Affairs Ray Cantor.

Cantor organized the program. “This is our first year, as you all know – we made this into a two-day event.”

He echoed Siekerka noting how important it is to cover energy and environmental issues together because they overlap in such a profound way. And how important it is to bring everyone to together to discuss the issues comprehensively.

“The ultimate goal of this event is to bring forth facts and information that you, as business leaders, can incorporate into your practices,” said Cantor. “But our policymakers as well – and helping them for the agenda for the next legislative term and the next agenda of the governor.”

Lasting legacy

And over the two days, the conference hit on a slew of key issues on all sides of the energy and environmental spectrum. They have also been key issues at the heart of the gubernatorial race.

In addition to discussions and panels, NJBIA honored several longtime leaders for their lasting impact on the state’s energy and environmental progress:

• Former Gov. Chris Christie, also a keynote speaker
  Recognized for advancing renewable energy, coastal resilience and energy efficiency initiatives during his administration
• Amy Cradic, senior vice president and chief operating officer, New Jersey Resources
  Honored for leadership in sustainability strategy and solar development
• Toby Hanna, partner (retired), ERM
  Recognized for his decades of consulting on air quality and climate policy
• Former Gov. Tom Kean
  Honored for landmark environmental protections, including wetlands preservation and the state’s “Right-to-Know” law
• Former Sen. Joe Kyrillos
  Recognized for three decades of legislative leadership on job creation, economic growth, shore protection and good government
• Marilyn Lennon, posthumous; former assistant commissioner, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and PS&S Energy leader of environmental services
  Honored for her lasting influence on land use and environmental policy
• Krishna Singh – CEO, Holtec International
  Has built the Camden-headquartered organization into a multinational company with a business footprint in 18 countries on five continents
• Gary Sondermeyer – vice president of operations, Bayshore Recycling
  Growing the company to one of the state’s largest recyclers; managing nine separate recycling operations on its 58-acre campus

The event featured robust discussions and more. It comes a key time in this state, with a new administration about to take root.

Please stay tuned to NJBIZ for further coverage and analysis from the forum.