Kelly Mooij, political chair of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters Board, issued the following statement on the selection of Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver as the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor:
“Phil Murphy chose an environmental steward in Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver, who joins the Democratic gubernatorial ticket as a candidate for lieutenant governor. Like Murphy, the former Assembly speaker from Essex County is a strong supporter of environmental protections and is prepared to lead New Jersey on key environmental issues like clean energy, climate change, and removing lead in drinking water. Oliver and Murphy both support the carbon reduction goals outlined in the Paris agreement and both have condemned President Trump’s withdrawal from the pact. Further, the ticket supports New Jersey joining the Climate Alliance, which will strive to meet the Paris goals, and both support rejoining New Jersey into the regional greenhouse gas reduction pact known as RGGI.”
“Oliver has a proven track record of consistent support for the environment, earning a lifetime score of 82% on the New Jersey LCV Scorecard. She has opposed new oil and gas pipelines, and has supported environmentally sound initiatives such as zero-emission vehicles, green roofs, and open space preservation funding. We believe Murphy and Oliver will work tirelessly to improve the quality of the air, drinking water, and open spaces for all New Jersey residents to enjoy.”
New Jersey League of Conservation Voters was the first statewide environmental group to endorse Murphy in the primary. The group’s Super PAC spent $130,000 during the primary to help Murphy to victory over three major Democratic rivals.