In Remembrance of Governor James J. Florio

The Southern New Jersey Development Council (SNJDC) is saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend and South Jersey ally Governor James Florio. Jim was a force for environmental causes, having authored the nation’s Superfund legislation while serving 15 years in the U.S House of Representatives for New Jersey’s First Congressional District. Jim was heavily involved in the Lipari Landfill and Alcyon Lake cleanup, which at the time was the worst toxic waste site in the United States. He was also a cosponsor of a House bill that would ultimately become the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978. Signed into law by President Jimmy Carter, the Act would establish the Pinelands National Reserve, a beacon of conservation in Southern New Jersey.

Jim was also a longtime friend to the Southern New Jersey Development Council as a member of the NJ Legislature, a U.S. Congressman, and as Governor. Always supportive and generous with his time, Jim worked with us on countless Energy and Environment as well as Transportation committee issues and was a willing participant in many of our major events.

Jim Florio was a champion for South Jersey, and his presence will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family, wife Lucinda and his children and grandchildren.