Assemblyman James Kennedy will take over as chair of the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee immediately. He was previously vice chair, succeeding Assemblywoman Pinkin who left the legislature to be Middlesex County Clerk. The NJ Sierra Club endorsed Assemblyman Kennedy in 2019.

“Assembly Kennedy is an excellent choice to lead the Environment & Solid Waste Committee. The New Jersey Sierra Club endorsed him because he is a leader when it comes to fighting climate changes, cleaning up toxic sites, tackling our plastic pollution, and moving forward on renewable energy. He’s sponsored bills that would establish storm resiliency projects, protect our coastal areas, restrict toxic pesticides, dedicate money for our parks and open space, and more.  We believe Kennedy will be the champion that New Jersey needs for our environment,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “I’ve known Jim Kennedy for many years and when he was the Mayor of Rahway. He will be an important leader when it comes to working really hard to move New Jersey’s environmental agenda forward. We are glad he has been chosen as the new chairperson.”

During his time in the Legislature, Kennedy has helped spearhead efforts to address open space preservation, renewable energy, natural resource restoration, eliminating combined sewer overflows, clean air and more. Kennedy is currently working to increase access to electric vehicle charging stations and to improve recycling efforts throughout New Jersey.

“During this climate crisis and pandemic, New Jersey needs a chair who is well-rounded and experienced in dealing with the complex issues of the environment. Assemblyman Kennedy fits the bill. He has a superb environmental record and is the type of legislature that can get things done. The state is falling behind when it comes to reducing GHG’s, moving forward with electric vehicles, and adapting to climate  change impacts. We are confident that Assemblyman Kennedy will be able to move important environmental bills in the legislature and on the Governor’s desk,”said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “We congratulate Chairman Kennedy and look forward to working with him.”