October 6, 2009

Thank you for coming. The NJ Environmental Federation (NJEF) is a state chapter of Clean Water Action which is based in Washington DC. The Vote Environment Committee (VEC) is the political arm of NJEF.

We take our political endorsement work very seriously and believe it is crucial to the advancement of environmental protection. We have been concentrating on the NJ gubernatorial race for many months, listening, analyzing and discussing the race and the candidates, while keeping our focus on environmental issues. It has been a long and very difficult process. Before interviewing with our VEC board, the candidates each completed an extensive environmental questionnaire. We then interviewed Governor Corzine, Chris Daggett and Chris Christie, after which we had follow up discussions with them and their campaign representatives.

When considering a candidate, we weigh a number of factors, but we always stress two areas: the candidate's commitment to the environment and his or her willingness to work with us on our issues.

NJ faces a multitude of serious environmental issues and problems. Governor Corzine has made commitments to the environmental community to address critical issues such as the impact of nuclear plants, most especially those that do not have cooling towers, stronger protections for our most important waterways, and environmental justice. He has failed to fulfill those commitments and has refused to take a position on the Linden Coal Plant, even though it is proposed in a neighborhood that is already disproportionately impacted by pollution and its $5 billion cost would produce more electricity if invested in clean renewables and energy efficiency.

We expect our political leaders to take on our environmental issues and problems, and provide good solutions that are in the best interest of the environment and our public who depend upon clean air, water and soil. When that fails, it is time for change.

We believe that the change we seek will be found in Chris Christie as governor of NJ. Since his impressive interview with us in early August, he, or his campaign staff, has reached out to us on an almost daily and meaningful basis. Mr. Christie has made himself available to answer any questions and has discussed our issues with an open mind. He has laid out an impressive environmental agenda. For example, in his first 100 days, he has agreed to stop the fish slaughter that is a result of flawed cooling systems at Salem and Oyster Creek, AND strengthen the C1 program, weakened by the Corzine Administration, to protect New Jersey's most important waters. In addition, Chris Christie opposes the proposed Linden Coal Plant, recognizing the environmental injustice placed on a community is already overburdened by pollution.

This candidate has consistently expressed a strong commitment to the environment and has certainly demonstrated by his actions a willingness to work with us. We are excited to announce our endorsement of Chris Christie for governor of NJ. This is the first time that the NJ Environmental Federation's Vote Environment Committee has endorsed a Republican in a statewide race - either for US Senate or governor. And we welcome it!