New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities, the leading edge of the state’s aggressive push into renewable energy, will be led by Christine Guhl-Sadovy, a former organizer for the Sierra Club in the campaign against coal, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said Monday.

Guhl-Sadovy, who joined the board in May, will replace Joseph L. Fiordaliso, who died Sept. 6th and had served for 17 years as a BPU commissioner, including five as the agency’s president. Guhl-Sadovy worked as Fiordaliso’s chief of staff at the BPU before moving to become Murphy’s cabinet secretary in October 2021.

While chief of staff, Guhl-Sadovy worked on the state’s 2019 Energy Master Plan, the 2018 Clean Energy Act and the state’s Electric Vehicle Incentive program, all of which helped shape the state’s commitment to a vigorous transition away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy.

Murphy said he believed Guhl-Sadovy would continue what he called Fiordaliso’s “steadfast … unwavering belief that we not only can — but must — cultivate a healthier and more sustainable planet for our children and grandchildren.” (See NJ BPU President Fiordaliso Dies.)

“I’m confident that Christine, who has demonstrated her commitment to these same values time and time again throughout her invaluable service in my administration, will continue to build upon Joe’s lasting legacy,” he said. He added he expects her to “responsibly transition New Jersey to a clean energy economy, while putting the needs of consumers and New Jerseyans first.”

Guhl-Sadovy’s appointment takes effect immediately. New Jersey law requires the governor to nominate BPU commissioner candidates subject to confirmation by the state Senate. But Murphy can appoint the president from commissioners who already gained Senate approval. (See NJ Senate Approves Two BPU Commissioners.)

She takes the helm as the board faces a growing pushback against Murphy’s clean energy policies, with vigorous opposition to the state’s offshore wind plans from shore residents and tourism advocates, and concerns from offshore wind developers that approved projects no longer may be economically viable because of rising costs.

Murphy expects to nominate Stephanie Lagos, deputy chief of staff to the governor and his wife’s chief of staff, to fill the open seat on the five-member board, according to a source close to the governor. She would go for confirmation by the Senate in the fall.

The BPU has cancelled its next meeting, which was scheduled for Thursday.

Beyond Coal, Planned Parenthood

Guhl-Sadovy, in a statement released by Murphy, said she’s looking forward to “continuing to serve the people of New Jersey in this role, and making the planet healthier.”

A graduate in psychology from Rutgers University, Guhl-Sadovy also gained a certificate in leadership, organizing and action from the Harvard Kennedy School, according to her LinkedIn page. She worked on energy and environmental issues with the national Sierra Club as a representative of the Beyond Coal campaign and while at Planned Parenthood she worked to ensure the election of pro-women’s health candidates and on the successful effort to pass legislation to restore funding in New Jersey for family planning.

Guhl-Sadovy drew support from the environmental community during her confirmation as commissioner, and Doug O’Malley, director of Environment New Jersey, welcomed her appointment as BPU head.

“Christine started her career working to fight climate change, and now she’s in the bully pulpit,” he said. “She’ll clearly continue the legacy of President Fiordaliso, and she’s a force in her own right.”

He called her an “an incredibly strong pick to lead the board,” in part because of the wealth of knowledge she brings to the position from having worked as Fiordaliso’s chief of staff.