Diverse Environmental Leaders Kick off Statewide Tours To Highlight Stakes in Gubernatorial Election
Rev. Ronald Tuff. Photo courtesy of NJ Work Environment Council.
NEWARK — This month, organizations of color have joined with the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters Education Foundation Fund to confront gubernatorial leaders on environmental leadership through a coalition called “Enviro Fix in ’26“.
The coalition, made up of environmental, health, faith, and community advocates around the state, kicked off their campaign this week in Newark today to demand bold environmental action from the state’s next governor.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill will be facing off against Republican and former state lawmaker Jack Ciatterelli in November’s general election to replace term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy.
“As people of faith, we have a sacred duty to care for both God’s people and God’s creation,” Rev. Ronald Tuff, the environmental justice organizer for the New Jersey Black Issues Convention, said in a statement. “In places like Newark, environmental injustice has gone on far too long, and it’s our moral obligation to act.”
“That’s why I’m calling on the next Governor — no matter what their party — to lead with bold, urgent action on clean energy, flood protection, and pollution cleanup. This is not just an environmental issue. It’s a justice issue, a health issue, and a spiritual issue. Our communities deserve better, and the time to act is now.
“As we look ahead to New Jersey’s next governor, it’s critical that environmental justice isn’t treated as an afterthought, but as the foundation of our clean energy future. For too long, overburdened communities have suffered the worst impacts of pollution while receiving the fewest benefits from energy investments. That must change.”
Nicole Miller, vice chair of the New Jersey Progressive Equitable Energy Coalition, said that environmental justice should not be an afterthought for the next government. She said with rising utility bills, the need for accessible clean energy, and new job creation, voters will be carefully watching the candidates to determine their respective stance on these issues.
“Whether it’s through reducing energy bills with programs like community solar, ensuring access to electric transportation, or prioritizing clean energy job creation in historically excluded neighborhoods, New Jersey’s next leader must commit to building a just energy transition that lifts everyone,” Miller said.
“The Newark event is the first in a series of statewide conversations to raise public awareness, elevate community voices, and educate voters about what’s at stake. Additional stops in cities and towns across New Jersey will be announced in the coming weeks.”
Organizers have developed a 121-page “Enviro Fix in “26” policy guide that outlines actionable priorities for the next administration, including: Transitioning to 100% clean electricity, protecting clean drinking water and open space, creating good-paying union jobs in clean energy, lowering energy costs for working families, building community resilience to flooding and extreme heat, and advancing environmental justice for historically overburdened communities.
The Black Issues Convention and NJ Progressive Equitable Energy Coalition are joined by the Latino Action Network, NJ Audubon, Newark Science and Sustainability, NJ Chapter of the American College of Physicians, Rethink Energy NJ, Rewild New Jersey Community Cooperative, MNM Consulting, NJ Policy Perspective, Duke Farms, Great Swamp Watershed Association, Isles, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Water Spirit, ANJEC, NJ Future, NJ Sustainable Business Council, NJ Conservation Foundation, Pinelands Preservation Alliance, Rebuild By Design, Regional Plan Association, The Watershed Institute, American Littoral Society, and the New Jersey Highlands Coalition.
“We are at a crossroads in New Jersey. The next governor will either continue down a path of pollution and rising climate risks or step up to lead us into a cleaner, healthier future for every resident — regardless of their zip code,” said Luke Pavlov, Campaign Manager, New Jersey LCV.
“Our ‘Enviro Fix in ’26’ platform is a clear roadmap for candidates to follow, and we’re calling on the candidates to commit to real environmental solutions that put people first.”
The guide is not just a vision — it’s a call to action for candidates and voters alike.
“We are in a critical era of change in our environment, and it’s urgent that we address the environmental difficulties plaguing underserved, industrialized communities,” said Tobias A. Fox, Managing Director, Newark Science and Sustainability, Inc.
“There is an immediate necessity to launch community-based green development initiatives. Such programs must fuse sustainable agriculture, green technology, and ecological infrastructure to tackle pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges at the local and state level.”
To download the “Enviro Fix in ‘26” policy guide or learn more about upcoming events, visit www.njlcvef.org or contact luke.pavlov@njlcv.org.
Follow Us Today On:
Note from AC JosepH Media: If you like this story and others posted on Front Runner New Jersey.com, lend us a hand so we can keep producing articles like these for New Jersey and the world to see. Click on SUPPORT FRNJ and make a contribution that will go directly in making more stories like this available. Thank you for reading!
About Author
