NEW JERSEY LCV WARNS WILDFIRE HAZE COULD BECOME NEW NORM  UNLESS WE ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE

TRENTON – The following is a statement from Ed Potosnak, Executive Director of New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, regarding the recent Canadian wildfires and the impact on New Jersey.

“We don’t need to imagine the effects of climate change. New Jerseyans and families across the Eastern seaboard can look outside to see them right now, as we experience the smoke and haze from the early season wildfires raging in Canada. If we don’t address climate change today and move toward a 100% clean energy future, these air quality and associated public health challenges, could become our new normal,” said Ed Potosnak Executive Director, New Jersey LCV. “Last year wildfires in California were among the worst now it’s on our coast— we need bold climate action to protect public health, our way of life, and our communities for future generations. It’s long past time to stop our reliance on dirty fossil fuels and move toward an equitable clean energy future, including responsibly developed offshore wind and solar, to stop the most disastrous effects of climate change. It’s more important than ever for bold action and to codify New Jersey’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2035 into law.”

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.