We Still Have Time to Urge NJ Leaders: Stop Dumping On Newark

Governor Murphy and his Department of Environmental Protection announced in a press conference on Thursday, July 18, 2024, the approval of the highly contested Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission (PVSC) dirty gas project.

After over 3 years of ongoing advocacy for clean, renewable energy sourcing and communicating as allies with residents at PSVC meetings, our collective conscience is challenged by stark contradictions of governance.

Patch reports “Controversial Power Plant in Newark Can Move Ahead, Official Says” updated at 8PM last night.

In response, community leaders remarked the following:

Senator Teresa Ruiz said: “The NJDEP’s approval of the PVSC power plant in the Ironbound neighborhood is an indefensible and hypocritical decision that blatantly violates New Jersey’s Environmental Justice Law.” She pointed to the dichotomy remarking “decision makers (who) remain comfortably detached from the consequences of their shocking and reprehensible actions.”

Assemblywoman Pintor Marin called this decision “deplorable.”

Deputy Director of Organizing and Advocacy at the Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC), Maria Lopez-Nuñez said: “Adding another power plant to our already burdened neighborhood is a racist decision that disregards community health and environmental justice.”

This approval of a 4th dirty gas plant that has never met the aspiring goals of a back-up power source is in stark contrast to calls for environmental justice once uttered by NJ’s Governor Murphy. The decision adds environmental injustice, which is never “negligible”, even as NJDEP Commissioner LaTourette used the word referring to the impending impact.

As concerned NJ residents who understand the importance of protecting sacred water—the source and sustainer of all life—we must demand transparency and integrity in our state’s governance. Democracy, like water, is fluid. We cannot allow decisions that impact our communities’ health and well being to proceed without scrutiny and public accountability.

It is our duty to hold our leaders accountable, ensuring decisions made reflect our shared vision of a just, stable and livable future. Consider taking action by sending this letter and joining Waterspirit as a volunteer.

TUESDAY at 7AM: Please tune into WBAI radio (99.5 FM) for more on this looming polluting project. #StopDumpingOnNewark

THURSDAY at 12PM Plan to be at the next PVSC Board Meeting on Zoom. This is PVSC’s monthly board meeting where they may be holding a vote to move forward with the project. HOLD THIS TIME and we will share the link if you are interested in attending. Register here and/or Let us know so we can help you prepare your remarks. Make your voice heard!

Amplify these posts on your individual and organizations social media: