Today, Governor Murphy announced the beginning of the implementation of the landmark environmental justice cumulative impacts law: the adoption of rules. Marcus Sibley, MSW, Chairperson of NJ State Conference NAACP Environmental Justice Committee aptly shared:

“Expecting entities to do the right thing hasn’t ever been a winning strategy for our constituents most vulnerable to exploitation, adverse environmental impacts, gross inaction and divestment.”

This culmination is the result of steadfast efforts by a broad network, only growing in size and power, for ~15 years. We are beyond grateful to all those who have been advocating for this law’s strength.

Will this translate into the denial of air permits and the denial of fossil fuel methane emitting projects? Will it provoke a plan for divestment from fossil fuel in New Jersey’s state pension? So far, not yet. Governor Murphy, during the #PeoplesEarthWeek, still has the opportunity to declare a climate emergency and lead as though a livable future was an agenda priority.

Will the spirit of the law be fully embraced? Time will tell. In the meantime-given the lack of environmental justice in New Jersey- today people were arrested protesting outside a hazardous, polluting compressor station construction site in West Milford.

To read the full text of the rules adoption, click here. Want to help shine a light on opportunities for peace through justice? Check out our Calls to Action Page for ways to use your voice.