We make a difference when we show up. For instance, a potentially weak bill in New Jersey establishing a “clean energy standard” will be stronger as a result of voiced oppositions and amendments, back in action 18th December.
Tomorrow the New Jersey Assembly Environment Committee will meet in Trenton to vote on a disastrous bill, a blow to environmental justice in the state with first related landmark legislation. This bill, A577, is masquerading as an alternative that is natural or renewable when, in fact, it would largely increase costs to consumers heating and electric bills ahead of a projected snow filled winter. It would increase pollution regardless of the intent not to do so. The bill’s proponents must be hoping this will fool the public from the destruction oil and gas continue to perpetuate upon the most vulnerable humans across the globe. No matter what gains these technologies may purport, there has been no evidence that these outweigh the disastrous costs, including exacerbating climate emergency.
Waterspirit and coalition partners have been advocating against so-called Carbon Capture and Sequestration, due to its failure to present as a viable solution. It is deeply disheartening that such a bill would be considered given the moral imperative to reduce and strive to eliminate emissions thrust upon overburdened residents.
New Jersey leadership can do better; we hope that they will hear from many and act accordingly.
Amplifying this list from our friends at NJSierra Club, Flood the phonelines of the bill’s sponsors, Karabinchak and Scutari, urging them to oppose it! See below a sample script and contact information.
How to Contact Bill Sponsors: Call via the below numbers.
*Assemblyman Robert J. Karabinchak (D) - District 18 - (732) 548-1406
*Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald (D) - District 6 - (856) 435-1247
*Assemblywoman Nancy F. Munoz (R) - District 21 - (908) 918-0414
*Senator Nicholas P. Scutari (D), Senate President - District 22 - (732) 827-7480
*Senator Steven V. Oroho (R) - District 24 - (973) 300-0200
Senator Vin Gopal (D) - District 11 - (732) 695-3371
Assemblyman James Kennedy (D) - District 22 - (732) 943-2660
Assemblyman Sterly S. Stanley (D) - District 18 - (732) 875-3833
Assemblyman Donald A. Guardian (R) - District 2 - (609) 677-8266
Assemblywoman Shama A. Haider (D) - District 37- (201) 308-7061
Assemblywoman Bethanne McCarthy Patrick (R) - District 3 - (856) 823-5516
Assemblyman John F. McKeon (D) - District 27 - (973) 377-1606
Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (R) - District 13 - (732) 856-9294
*Primary bill sponsors.
Sample Script for Phone Banking:
"Hello, I am calling to urge you to oppose A577 (Karabinchak)/S1366 (Scutari).
This bill would encourage New Jersey to invest in perpetual gas, which is not natural or clean or renewable. If passed, utility costs will rise, greenhouse gases and co-pollutants will increase and there will be great detriment to already poor health and related air quality. The cost of these technologies are higher than actual renewable energy solutions, such as solar siting throughout the state. There is no monetary value worth the poor health and shortsighted consequences of investments in dirty energy. As a representative of New Jersey, I, again, urge you to demonstrate leadership for all and oppose A5777. “
Thank you for taking action; thank you for all you are and all you do to support sacred water!