TRENTON – A broad-based coalition of environmental advocates is asking Governor Murphy to invest in key areas to protect public health and the environment in his upcoming state budget proposal.
In a letter to Governor Murphy, they requested that he focus on five priorities. These included investing in clean energy and improving NJ Transit. This would reduce harmful emissions and ensure that all New Jersey residents can breathe clean air and drink pure water.
Governor Murphy won a historic reelection. This gives him the unique opportunity to harness New Jerseyans passions for environmental protection. The state budget can be used to accelerate our transition from clean energy, invest on our state trails and parklands, and address issues related to environmental justice, said Ed Potosnak. We look forward working with the governor in order to build on his first-term record of environmental protection and make New Jersey a leader in environmental protection. This year’s budget process should be centered around environmental concerns.
The letter, which was signed by 18 organizations, sets out five key environmental priorities.
Advance clean energy. Advocates urged Governor to stop raids on the state Clean Energy Funds and focus investment instead on projects that expand access.
Support healthy homes. Trenton should continue funding lead mitigation programs and launch a $15 million pilot program to electrify homes to reduce indoor air quality and emissions.
Increase resilience to climate catastrophes. The state should provide full funding for the Delaware River Basin Commission in order to support its flood mitigation efforts. Also, $10 million should be invested in a new program which provides funding for local municipalities to implement climate resilience programs.
Progress NJ Transit. A strong public transit system is essential for reducing emissions and improving airquality. Advocates are asking the state not to raid NJ Transit and to find new funding sources that will provide the agency the resources it requires.
Fund trails and parks. The importance of open space for New Jersey residents has been highlighted by the COVID-19 epidemic. Advocates call for $6 million in urban parks and $9.9 million in tax relief for municipalities that host state lands.
“The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters has again reached out to our many partners in the State and together have recommended to the administration and legislature important goals for keeping New Jersey the leader in environmental protection, said Julia Somers, New Jersey LCV Board Chair and Executive Director of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition. We pledge to work to support these programs and outcomes — it’s the most important work we can do!”
Eric Stiles (President & CEO of the NWF affiliate New Jersey Audubon) highlighted this in a recent interview. According to Marcus Sibley of National Wildlife Federation NY Metro Director, Conservation Partnerships, studies have shown a strong link between school performance and access to open spaces, said Marcus Sibley. We support increased funding for our parks and trails. However, we also advocate for investments in all priorities listed in the FY23 Budget Letter. It is essential that we have the best possible tools to effectively and fairly fight for the environment in order to benefit all of our planet’s inhabitants.
“The impacts of climate change are no longer abstract for New Jerseys coastal and riverine communities. Inland communities have been experiencing more frequent and severe flood events in recent years. Cortney Koenig Worrall is the President and CEO of Waterfront Alliance. With almost $5 billion in coastal real estate, and the highest risk of flooding in the country, it’s time for New Jersey make strong commitments towards climate resilience and adaptation strategies. Waterfront Alliance supports the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ FY23 budget priorities to ensure we are taking necessary steps to protect New Jerseys people, infrastructure, and natural ecosystems from climate change”.
“Budgets reflect priorities and values, said Jen Coffey, Executive Director of the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions. Because the people of New Jersey value these assets, we ask for climate resilience, clean electricity, and open spaces to be priorities in the next Budget.
“Transitioning to a more equitable clean energy economy will create new business opportunities and family-supporting jobs,” said Richard Lawton, Executive Director of the NJ Sustainable Business Council. “To do so at the necessary speed and scale, however, requires that both private and public investment be aligned and redirected toward actualizing this common goal. In order to neutralize the inertia of “business as usual” and its associated risks and costs, the state’s budget must be designed and allocated in ways that will equitably enhance resilience, sustainability, and public health.”
“We need to invest more in clean energy, public transit, reducing pollution, climate resiliency, and greening our communities,” said Tom Gilbert, co-executive director, NJ Conservation Foundation. “Doing so will more than pay for itself through improved public health, safer and more livable communities, good local jobs, and a stronger economy.”
NJ TRANSIT’s budget has been hit hard since the start of COVID. The agency was able to use the federal emergency money available to maintain stable fares while providing full service to its riders. This has been especially important for the state’s transit-dependent riders, many of whom are low income, said Janna Chernetz, Deputy Director, Tri-State Transportation Campaign. However, the state must continue to seek ways to get NJ TRANSIT on the road back to fiscal sustainability before the emergency money runs dry. Adequate, reliable, and dedicated revenue must be identified to meet the agency’s operating needs without the continued overuse of capital raids. Electrification mandates, system expansion must be prioritized. That means making every capital dollar count.
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