Spencer: Environmental Concerns Must Be A Part of Sandy Rebuilding Efforts

Legislator Issues Response to Governor's State of the State Address

(Trenton) - The Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee Chairwoman Grace L. Spencer issued the following statement in response to the Governor's State of the State address today before the full Legislative Body:

"The rebuilding of New Jersey's shore communities will be a tremendous task. The powerful and destructive impact of coastal storms like Sandy are becoming the norm for New Jersey and will only become worse in the future.

First we endured Hurricane Irene. Now 12 months later, Hurricane Sandy arrives. These super storms are occurring more frequently than "once in a century," as the Governor stated today.

Global warming, which has and is contributing to the frequency and severity of these coastal storms, will not just mend itself without direct action and responsible environmental legislation. I agree with his statement that we "must fight back with everything we have" and that includes considering past present and future legislation to reduce gaseous emissions and our carbon footprint.

As we begin to rebuild, we need to remain vigilant and mindful that brick and mortar will rebuild homes and communities in the present but that alone will not help New Jersey's future generations."

To read more, please visit the New Jersey General Assembly Democratic Office Web site.

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