A Vision for Environmental Justice and Climate Action

New Jersey is one of the most vulnerable states to climate change. We are also one of the most segregated states, by both class and race. That means our underserved communities are at the highest risk when it comes to climate change and environmental impact. As Mayor of Newark for the past decade, I have been on the front porch of climate change, witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of generations of environmental injustice.

That is why my administration has prioritized mitigating environmental impact in everything we do. We changed our zoning laws to require green infrastructure in all new developments. We launched RainReady Newark, a comprehensive green infrastructure program to combat flooding and improve stormwater management. We provided grants to community-based organizations for sustainability projects, including a sustainable food network. And we are on track to plant thousands of new trees across Newark.

In a city where one in four children has asthma, I understand the personal impact of climate inaction. If the state faces environmental challenges, Newark faces them twice. We must be aggressive in our response to climate change because New Jersey cannot afford to wait. 

The time for bold, transformative climate action is now. By advancing policies that prioritize environmental justice and sustainability, we can ensure a healthier, greener, and more equitable future for all New Jersey residents.