U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-9) announced today that he has signed on in support of the landmark Green New Deal legislation that seeks to combat climate change through a comprehensive plan to reach 100 percent energy from zero-emission sources. Pascrell becomes New Jersey’s third federal legislator to formally support the Green New Deal resolution, joining Congressman Bonnie Watson-Coleman and Senator Cory Booker.

“Congressman Pascrell has been a leader in the environment, whether in fighting to clean up Superfund site or creating the Great Falls National Historic Park. It is no surprise that he has signed on to the Green New Deal. His support is critical, because when Congressman Pascrell takes on an issue, he keeps fighting for it until the job gets done,” said Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “He understands this will help reduce air pollution while creating green jobs, and we know Congressman Pascrell cares about jobs and the environment.”

The Green New Deal calls for new projects to modernize U.S. transportation infrastructure, de-carbonize the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, make buildings and homes more energy efficient and increase land preservation. The resolution comes as the global effects of climate change continues to accelerate. Last year was the fourth hottest on record, with the top five all occurring since 2014. Oceans are warming 40 percent more rapidly than previously thought, leading to rising sea levels and more severe and frequent extreme weather events.

“We need to get our entire Congressional Delegation on board in supporting the Green New Deal. Climate change impacts are worse and happening faster. New Jersey is seeing more flooding and more health impacts from climate change. Our state is also battling damaging fossil fuel projects like offshore drilling, natural gas powerplants, pipelines, and fracking. Enough is enough already. The Green New Deal resolution is the first comprehensive step towards creating policies and programs in place to reduce our climate impacts. We support this resolution, and we need our legislators in Washington to move quickly to pass and implement it,” said Tittel.