Election Round-Up: Environmental Victories Across NJ
Election Round-Up: Environmental Victories Across NJ
The 2017 Election results are in and it was a good night for the environment. It was a big win for Phil Murphy and almost all of our endorsed candidates in key races. The New Jersey Sierra Club has been campaigning for strong candidates at local and state levels, as well as the important Ballot Question #2. We consider last night to be a victory for the people and environment of New Jersey.
“This was the biggest win for the environment in New Jersey in close to two decades. By electing Phil Murphy, New Jersey will be a national leader again on the environment. His election is a repudiation of Christie’s failed and damaging environmental policies. We will see our state move forward on green jobs, environmental protections, and fighting climate change. Today begins a new day for the environment of New Jersey. We can get critical legislation passed, get rid of Christie’s environmental rollbacks, and move us forward with green jobs and climate change protections,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “We can protect our state against future storm events and climate change, increase green jobs and renewable energy, and ensure that everyone has clean air to breathe and water to drink.”
Ambassador Phil Murphy and his running make Sheila Oliver have won the 2017 Gubernatorial election. The New Jersey Sierra Club had endorsed Phil Murphy for Governor from the beginning and are proud to congratulate him on his win tonight. We believe that under their leadership, New Jersey’s environment will be protected from Trump rollbacks and we can build a greener economy.
“This is a great victory for New Jersey; having Phil Murphy elected to be our next Governor. We greatly look forward to working with him to make New Jersey cleaner and greener. We believe that he, alongside Sheila Oliver, will bring a new vigor and energy to the Statehouse while enacting important environmental initiatives. We are confident that Murphy will fight to protect our environment and protect us from the rollbacks of the Trump Administration. Phil Murphy cares about clean water and our environment. He will work to protect New Jersey from future storm events by promoting reducing greenhouse gasses and switching our state to a green economy,” said Jeff Tittel.
Last night, New Jersey voters also approved Ballot Question #2 to dedicate environmental settlement funds to environmental clean-ups. This will block future administrations from robbing the money meant for repairing, preserving, or restoring natural resources. In NJ, these resources are held in the Public Trust. If you spill chemicals and destroy them, you not only have to clean-up your mess, but also compensate the public for their loss.
“This is a win for the environment and the people who want to make sure it’s protected. With the passage of Ballot Question #2, money that comes from environmental settlements will serve environmental purposes. It means we can clean-up and make our communities whole again after they’ve been devastated by toxic pollution. The money will go towards restoring wetlands, cleaning up streams, planting trees, rebuilding parks, protecting our drinking water, and other issues that arise after a community has been devastated by toxic contamination,” said Jeff Tittel.
Many returning legislators have been leaders on many different environmental issues. Assemblyman Tim Eustace (D-38) has been a champion on reducing climate change; he even drives a plug-in electric car. He is a strong supporter of the environment and we are proud to endorse him and Assemblyman Joseph Lagana for this election as well. Assemblyman Reed Gusciora led the battle for passage of the Clean Car Law. Andrew Zwicker has made strong efforts to support clean energy, especially electric vehicles. He has also served on the Environment and Solid Waste Committee.
“There were also some big changes in making the legislature greener as well. Assemblymen Eustace and Zwicker were re-elected to continue their environmental leadership. Newcomer Vin Gopal will bring much-needed change to the 11th district. In some of the challenge races where our endorsed candidates didn’t win, they came closer than ever before to defeating their counterparts. We’re transitioning to a much sunnier day of clean water, clean air, and climate protections. This is an important and celebratory paradigm shift for the people and environment of New Jersey,” said Jeff Tittel.
Assemblyman John McKeon has been instrumental in securing critical environmental protections and policies for the state including the Highlands Act and measures to clean up Barnegat Bay. Assemblyman Herb Conaway has been integral in fighting against contaminants in the water, specifically 1,2,3-trichloroprane, by writing a bill that would set a limit for how much of this dangerous substance is allowed in New Jersey’s drinking water. Assemblyman Jamel Holley has been an advocate for environmental justice and supports legislation to protect open space in urban areas. Newly elected Vin Gopal will fight to deal with climate change and support New Jersey getting back into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
“New Jersey used to be a national leader in environmental protections and now we can be once more. We have a powerful network of leaders including Governor-Elect Phil Murphy and legislators across the state who will fight to protect the environment and against climate change. Steven Fulop, one of the strongest leaders on the environment in New Jersey, was re-elected in Jersey City. Ringwood went Democrat for the first time in 15 years, based on wanting to clean up the Ford Motor Superfund Site. We look forward to working with the returning and new officials to strengthen New Jersey,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “Last night was one of the most important days for the environment in New Jersey’s modern history.”
