Joseph Fiordaliso, who championed clean energy as head of New Jersey utilities board, dies at 78

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Joseph Fiordaliso, who was implementing one of the country’s most aggressive clean energy programs as head of New Jersey’s state utilities regulation board, has died. Fiordaliso, who had been president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities since 2018, often spoke of his grandchildren when describing the type of planet he hoped to leave to them — one in which green energy sources like wind, solar and geothermal help reduce the worst effects of climate change by replacing the burning of fossil fuels. Phil Murphy called Fiordaliso, who was born in Newark, “a consummate public servant, a trusted colleague, and a good friend.” “Joe skillfully led our work to responsibly transition to a clean energy economy while always putting the needs of consumers first,” the governor said in a news release. “He also was a key figure in our storm response efforts and in ensuring that all New Jerseyans had access to critical services like clean water, electricity, and broadband.” Fiordaliso was rarely seen in public without wearing a lapel pin in the shape of a wind turbine, signifying his strong support for offshore wind energy development.