Update: Extraordinary Victory for the ocean! Governor Christie Rejects Dirty Fossil Fuels in the Ocean
Earth Day 2010 marked a new day for the ocean. NJ Governor Christie came to the Jersey Shore, joined by former NJ Governor Tom Kean, and announced his steadfast opposition to any Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities and any Offshore Drilling that could adversely affect New Jersey waters. The crowd of 150 ocean friends was jubilant. Governor Tom Kean was governor during the devastating summers of 1987 and 1988 when medical waste, dolphins, and raw sewage washed ashore. Governor Kean launched the first wave of ocean protection and over the years, with grit and determination, ocean water quality became cleaner, ocean dumping ended, and the ocean's health vastly improved.
Today there is a new assault of dirty fossil fuel industries lurking off our shores. Governor Christies' bold and crystal clear promise at the press conference rejects this new industrial assault: "The future of our shore, the future of our children to enjoy our beaches in the same way that I got to enjoy them, is more important than any project regarding liquefied natural gas...that's why I'm confident in announcing that decision today on Earth Day and it is a decision that I will stand by every day that I am Governor of the State of New Jersey."
Governor Christie's declaration was an act of swift, firm, and outstanding leadership. He kept his campaign promises on these issues within his first 100 days. Truly a remarkable victory for the ocean thanks to Governor Christie.
Above is a statement of Cindy Zipf Executive Director of Clean Ocean Action
