New Jersey LCV Honors Verizon Communications with Sustainability Award

Recognizes Company’s Commitment to a Clean Environmental Future

TRENTON – New Jersey League of Conservation Voters (New Jersey LCV) will host its ninth annual gala on Monday, June 12, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the Palace in Somerset, N.J. The Gala celebrates pro-environment victories and legislative wins, honoring those who have helped make those achievements a reality.

New Jersey LCV is excited to announce that Verizon Communications will be the recipient of this year’s Sustainability Award. This recognition is presented to a business or institution that is on the forefront of change for a more sustainable future in New Jersey.

In February 2019, Verizon became the first U.S. telecom company to issue a green bond. The inaugural offering raised almost $1 billion in net proceeds and was fully allocated in 2020 to renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, biodiversity and conservation. Recognizing climate change as a serious threat that warrants meaningful action, Verizon has also set a goal to achieve net zero emissions in operations by 2035, and has made a 100% pledge to electrify their fleet of vehicles.

“We are delighted to present our Sustainability Award to Verizon. This important New Jersey business has demonstrated a commitment to the environment by working to mitigate climate change with their green bonds, net zero emissions initiative, and 100% fleet of electric vehicles,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey LCV. “We know that some companies continue to do business as usual with no regard for the environment, but Verizon is walking the walk to a sustainable future, and we’re honored to recognize their bold efforts.”

“We integrate our ESG strategy into operational decision-making across Verizon to make us a stronger, more resilient company for business and for society.  We have an obligation to lead in areas like climate protection, human prosperity and diversity –  areas where we know we can not only make an impact, but drive positive and lasting change for our customers, our shareholders, our employees and society,” said Sowmyanarayan Sampath, CEO Verizon Consumer Group.

“I’m always amazed to see what our awardees have accomplished because we are very thoughtful about the process for choosing award recipients. This year, Verizon rose to the top for their efforts to a more sustainable future,” said Jason Krane, Senior Director of Development, New Jersey LCV. “We will also be honoring elected leaders, partners, advocates, and others who support the New Jersey LCV mission to advocate for clean air, safe drinking water, and open space for everyone no matter their zip code.”

Last year, New Jersey LCV raised the most ever at the gala – almost tripling total dollars from the prior year. The event will feature online silent auction items, including engaging environmental experiences, travel destinations, and lunch with the New Jersey LCV Executive Director. If you are interested in sponsoring the Gala to show appreciation for Verizon and support the New Jersey LCV Ninth Annual Gala see our website at www.njlcv.org/gala and for more information about Verizon’s sustainability initiatives visit Verizon.com/about/responsibility/sustainability.

New Jersey League of Conservation Voters is a non-partisan organization whose mission is to elect environmental champions, hold public officials accountable, and support laws which protect our environment and improve the quality of people’s lives.