TRENTON – The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters (New Jersey LCV) – the leading political voice for the environment – endorsed Phil Murphy in the Democratic Gubernatorial Primary today, becoming the first statewide environmental group to announce its support of a major-party candidate in this year’s critical New Jersey governor’s race.
New Jersey LCV cited Murphy’s commitment to environmental protection, leadership skills, and vison for making the state a national and international leader in combating climate change. With an anti-environment administration in the White House, New Jersey has a moral imperative to protect our families and future generations by electing a leader who will respond aggressively to escalating environmental and public health threats.
“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, one of our state’s most dedicated and influential environmental leaders,” said Murphy. “New Jersey’s environment has been neglected by our governor, and special interests have kept us from taking action. I've seen how progressive environmental policies can move economies forward and build sustainable futures. As governor, I will reenter the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, identify a path to get to 100% clean energy by 2050, safeguard our clean drinking water, and reinvigorate our wind and solar industries so we can make up for the good, middle-class green jobs we have lost due to Governor Christie's obstruction."
Debbie Mans, Board Chair of the New Jersey LCV, said of the endorsement: "We are proud to endorse Phil Murphy because he understands the importance of clean air, safe drinking water and open space for all of New Jersey's families, and he is committed to protecting our air, water and land while invigorating our economy. It is time for New Jersey to once again become a leader on clean energy and green jobs and that is why the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters enthusiastically endorses Phil Murphy in the Democratic Primary for Governor."
In interviews and on his website, Murphy says he is committed to seeing New Jersey regain its place as a national clean energy leader, starting by immediately increasing the percentage of our electric supply generated by clean sources, and tapping into offshore wind energy. He is committed to developing resiliency plans for the Jersey Coast, ending raids on environmental program funds, and ensuring continuation of a robust open space preservation program.
"New Jersey has built a tremendous environmental legacy but faces significant and growing threats, from state and federal regulatory rollbacks, pollution, climate change, and much more," said NJLCV Political Committee Chair Kelly Mooij. "New Jersey LCV is an organization committed to supporting viable candidates, regardless of party affiliation, who are serious about protecting the environment and ensuring that New Jersey is a great place to live and work for current and future generations. That's why we are endorsing Phil Murphy in the Democratic Primary for governor."
New Jersey LCV’s endorsement is the culmination of a months-long screening process in gubernatorial primary races. That process is continuing for Republican candidates.
One of 28 statewide LCV organizations, New Jersey LCV is the only environmental organization in New Jersey with an affiliated PAC and the only one with a Super PAC, which gives the organization the ability to help get environmental advocates elected and defeat environmental foes.