NJ's environmental leaders spoke out today for smarter, more resilient re-building in the wake of Super Storm Sandy.
Trenton, NJ – Leaders from local, regional, state, and national groups in New Jersey joined together today to release guiding principles in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, and discuss a letter sent to Congress on Sandy-related disaster funds.
"There will be many decisions to be made as we move forward from Sandy," said the American Littoral Society's Tim Dillingham. "These principles if followed by state, local and private decision makers will result in a restored coastal environment and more resilient communities."
"In the aftermath of the storm we must all pull together to help New Jersey rebuild and to protect us from future climate disruptions. We can either repeat the mistakes of the past or together move the state forward towards a smarter and better future. We can protect the environment and grow our economy through better planning, clean energy, and enhanced environmental protections," stated Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.
"The storm highlighted the vulnerability of infrastructure along our urban waterways. Billions of gallons of raw and partially treated sewage were released because of failures at our wastewater treatment plants. As we repair these facilities we not only need to ensure they are capable of withstanding future extreme weather events, but are also making the investments needed to improve long-term water quality," said Debbie Mans, Executive Director, NY/NJ Baykeeper. "New Jersey: Better, Smarter; Guiding Principles to Recover, Rebuild, and Protect from Extreme Weather" (attached) is intended to guide state-wide response to this Super-Storm, the most recent storm to expose weaknesses, mistakes and vulnerabilities in planning, regulation, and financial policies, that will define our economic and environmental future for generations.
Read full release at:
http://www.ahherald.com/...