“It’s a failure,” Christie said. “RGGI has not changed behavior and it does not reduce emissions.”

Opponents say power companies have passed along the costs to comply with RGGI by raising electric bills. The Sierra Club says the increase is less than half of 1 percent of the average household bill.

“Christie is taking the side of corporate polluters and the coal industry over the environment and health of the people of New Jersey,” said Jeff Tittel, director of New Jersey Sierra Club. “As part of his attempt to become a national politician he would rather pander to the National Republican Party then do what is right for the people of New Jersey.”

The move came as something of a surprise as many believed Christie would continue to use the funds generated by RGGI to help balance the cash-strapped state budget.