NJ LCV Hails Investments in Urban Parks, Sprawl Management; Decries Continued Raids of Clean Energy Funds

New Jersey League of Conservation Voters Senior Policy Director, Allison McLeod, has issued the following statement in response to passage of the New Jersey state budget:

“The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters applauds Governor Murphy and the state Legislature in passing a budget that contains critical investments in expanding access to green space in our urban centers. Investments in urban parks, as well as a New Jersey Capitol Park, are an important part of the movement toward environmental justice by ensuring that more New Jerseyans, no matter their ZIP code, race, or income level have access to outdoor recreation opportunities.

We would also like to thank Governor Murphy and the Legislature in providing full funding for the Delaware River Basin Commission, which will help the multi-state agency continue its important work protecting the drinking water of millions of New Jersey families, as well as Assemblyman Joe Danielson (D-Somerset) for securing additional resources for towns to take action to address the growing threat of warehouse sprawl.

At the same time, we are extremely disappointed in continued raids on clean energy funds. These funds, paid by ratepayers, are an important tool the state has to confront our climate crisis by investing in clean energy projects and ensuring low and moderate income New Jerseyans have access to energy efficiency programs. At a time of record budget surpluses, it is unacceptable that these funds are once again being used to fill budget holes. We must do better as a state, and New Jersey LCV will continue to advocate that clean energy funds be used to support a clean energy transition.

New Jersey has also long been a leader in watershed stewardship. New Jersey needs to show those same commitments for water infrastructure, which impacts New Jerseyans where they feel it most – at home. Too often, historic lack of investment leads to issues such as drinking water contamination, sewer overflows, and failing water infrastructure in underserved communities of color. We need to be able to trust the water that comes from our taps. Investing in water infrastructure today is an investment in our health and our economy, and New Jersey’s residents deserve to see commitment to funding water infrastructure and clean water projects.”

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