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All Eyes on N.J.: Climate Advocates Say State Must Lead
Environmental advocates ramp up pressure on New Jersey gubernatorial candidates to commit to climate action amid policy uncertainty.
NEWARK, N.J. — As federal climate policy shifts create uncertainty, environmental advocates are pressuring New Jersey’s gubernatorial candidates to prioritize environmental protection policies.
Advocates held rallies outside recent primary debates in Newark on May 18 and May 20 to underscore the demand for strong climate policies. Organizers from the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Education Fund and the Climate Revolution Action Network are gathering to push for clean air, water, energy and climate resilience.
“Everyone in the country is watching New Jersey right now,” said Luke Pavlov, campaign manager for the New Jersey LCV Education Fund at the rally. “It’s a chance to show that we care about the climate and that voters expect serious plans to address it.”
The term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy (D) made a name for himself as a “green” governor, prioritizing policies that expanded offshore wind development, enforced greenhouse gas reduction targets and invested in electric vehicle infrastructure.
Pavlov addressed his concerns on the next candidate following through with these commitments, saying, “We want to remind people that… environmental issues aren’t just about temperatures going up…it’s also about air quality. It’s about clean drinking water. It’s about having a park to bring your kids to.”
“And I think that’s why we really want to make sure it’s an important topic this year in the election, because a lot of people are not talking about it as much as they should.”
Central to their demands are six priority areas: achieving Murphy’s clean energy goal, modernizing the state’s electric grid, protecting communities from climate-driven disasters, improving air quality, expanding access to green space and transit, and ensuring safe drinking water.
All of the Democratic candidates in the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial race have expressed strong support for continuing or building upon Murphy’s environmental agenda, particularly around clean energy, climate resilience and environmental justice.
In contrast, the Republican field stands largely in opposition to progressive climate policies. State Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Union) has pushed back on many of Murphy’s environmental platform, favoring a more moderate, business-friendly approach. Former State Assembly member Jack Ciattarelli, who also ran for governor in 2021, has consistently criticized Murphy’s agenda, though he has acknowledged that “climate change is real and human activity contributes to it.” Candidate Bill Spadea has made clear he would abandon the state’s environmental goals altogether. He rejects Murphy’s clean energy targets. He frames them as harmful to the economy.
Advocates say they are determined to confront the candidates who have avoided taking a stance on environmental issues. They argue that climate change is accelerating and environmental justice concerns are mounting. Because of this, it’s no longer acceptable for public officials to remain silent. Their goal is to ensure that voters are informed about where each contender stands on critical issues. These include clean air, water quality, and renewable energy.
“We’re gonna find you. We’re gonna talk to you,” said Pavlov. “At the end of the day, our goal is to get them talking.”
One of the most urgent concerns for advocates is the increasing frequency of flooding. This is especially true along New Jersey’s coasts and low-lying areas. The problem is driven by rising sea levels and more extreme weather events. Protesters pointed to the financial toll of repeated damage and skyrocketing flood insurance costs.
“People are going to lose their homes. Some already have,” said Chris Sotiro, mobilization director at Climate Revolution Action Network. “Flood insurance is becoming unaffordable, and we’re just not ready for what’s coming unless we act now.”
Advocates also drew attention to the state’s air quality. It ranks among the worst in the nation, particularly in urban and industrial areas. They emphasized that environmental harms affect some communities more than others.
“One in four kids in Newark has asthma,” Pavlov said. “We need to talk about clean air the same way we talk about jobs and housing — like it’s life or death, because for some families, it is.”
Advocates also highlighted transportation, the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey. Advocates urged lawmakers to invest in clean and affordable public transit, including electric buses and micro-mobility options.
“Transportation is the number one source of climate pollution in this state,” said Pavlov. “We can’t be serious about climate action without tackling how people get around.”
Organizers say environmental issues are nonpartisan because climate issues affect everyone.
“If your basement floods, it doesn’t matter which party you’re in,” Pavlov said. “It matters that you’re a human being who now has to suffer the consequences.”
The 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, with primary elections scheduled for June 10.