The climate superfund and protecting the health of our kids
I have spent the last 10 years working with thousands of wonderful health professionals in New Jersey and across the country who are speaking out about climate change and health.
One problem most people recognize is the obvious (and predicted) increase in the frequency and severity of flooding, wildfires, and heat waves. Lately, medical colleagues from the Carolinas to California tell us stories about how flooding and wildfires are slamming their patients.
Over the years, I have heard too many stories about people hurt in storms, children with asthma suffering severe respiratory effects from wildfire smoke, and older people having heart attacks brought on by heat waves — three among many more frightening, sometimes deadly, predicted health impacts. From Hurricane Sandy to the wildfire smoke of 2023, it's abundantly clear that New Jersey will also not escape the reality of climate science.
Unfortunately, there is a second category of major health concern here. Public health professionals focus on the phrase 'social determinants of health.' These are defined as: 'the conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play that affect virtually all health and quality-of life outcomes.' The most obvious examples are, again, the severe weather events that tear up roads and bridges, prevent the shipment and delivery of goods, overrun our water treatment plants, destroy farmers' fields, wipe out crops, and on and on. The full costs imposed on society for all this — including medical costs — are going through the roof.
The nexus of economic loss and damage to the social determinants of health is irrefutably growing. If you don't believe that idea is true, consider the cost to protect your home. Across this country, home insurance costs are skyrocketing. Big insurers like State Farm, Allstate, and Farmers are no longer offering home insurance in entire states. This problem is spreading quickly, including in New Jersey. The physicians, nurses, veterinarians, and other health professionals within Clinicians for Climate Action New Jersey have front-row seats to this slowly unfolding crisis. In these seats, you can't miss that the cost to New Jerseyans will be beyond staggering.
Meanwhile, as countless court cases are demonstrating, including from New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, fossil fuel companies have understood for decades the harm their products would do to the environment, leading to these devastating health harms. The fossil fuel industry misled the public, denied the realities of climate change, and obstructed efforts to decrease its impact. At the same time, fossil fuel companies continue to bring in record profits. The CEO of Chevron said, 'In 2023, we returned more cash to shareholders and produced more oil and natural gas than any year in the company's history.'
What can New Jersey do? Last year, New Jersey legislators began to consider a new idea: the creation of a 'Climate Superfund.' This initiative mirrors laws that have passed in New York and Vermont, with other states on the same path. The idea is simple: Given the vast costs that New Jersey has spent already on climate change damage, it is only fair that fossil fuel companies share those costs. Funds collected by the state would be spent on essential climate resilience projects, including infrastructure improvements, disaster preparedness, health initiatives, and more. This is a fair, commonsense step toward protecting our state's financial stability and the health of our communities. This is taxpayer relief.
Beloved New Jersey baseball icon Yogi Berra once said, 'The future ain't what it used to be.' He was right. If we don't stick to our commitments, our children and grandchildren will rightfully resent the future we are leaving them.
New Jersey was a leader in passing the Spill Act in 1976 to hold polluters responsible for toxic pollution sites, which led to the passage of the national Superfund program. A generation later, it's time for New Jersey to lead to hold climate polluters accountable.
Dan Quinlan is the co-leader of the Clinicians for Climate Action New Jersey. CCANJ's mission is to promote clean energy initiatives and programs that will protect public health and reduce the impacts of climate change on New Jersey's communities.
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Fox News
a day ago
- Fox News
Man 'wanted a cheeseburger' but French girlfriend made him eat healthy meals, he said
A French woman's homemade dinner sparked fury from her American boyfriend who wanted a burger instead, according to a viral post. The woman said she moved from France to the U.S. two years ago and has dealt with digestive issues since, according to her Reddit posting. "For some reason, the food here makes me sick," she wrote. "My body seems to struggle to digest it." "Whether it's takeout or fancy restaurant food … I can't go to the bathroom for days, or I'm violently vomiting," the woman added. The expat consulted medical professionals and, after multiple tests, was told that her body was probably "not used to the amount of salt and preservatives" in American food. After incorporating more whole foods into her diet, her health improved, she said. She wrote that she began meal-prepping and cooking meals from scratch. "My dad is actually a chef back home, so he was more than happy to send me some recipes to keep my diet interesting," she said. But one of her recipes – a "delicious" vegetarian lasagna made from scratch – caught the ire of her American partner. When he asked what was for dinner, the boyfriend "rolled his eyes" when he found out it was lasagna, the woman wrote. "[H]e was sick of 'that organic crap' and wanted a cheeseburger," she recounted. "The comment hurt." She said he told her that "it was unfair to 'make' him eat my diet." The woman also clarified that she intended no ill will toward Americans and said she enjoys living here – and those who shared comments mostly sided with her. "You are not responsible for feeding a grown man because he doesn't want to put in the effort," one of the top comments read. While most commenters supported her, some questioned whether the post was even real. "Because this totally happened, what in the world have you been eating since you've been in the U.S.?" one person questioned. "In today's America, it is not compulsory for the woman to cook her boyfriend or husband a meal every night." Carole Lieberman, M.D., a psychiatrist based in Beverly Hills, California, told Fox News Digital the Reddit poster appears to have "excellent taste in food, but bad taste in boyfriends." She added, "In today's America, it is not compulsory for the woman to cook her boyfriend or husband a meal every night – and certainly not a meal that the woman can't eat herself. Many couples share meal preparation duties and even enjoy it." Lieberman, who lived in France for years, also attested that the food is generally better than what most Americans eat. "The problem is that your boyfriend has come to expect home-cooked meals every night because you have spoiled him," she observed, speaking to the woman who shared her story. "He feels entitled to dictate the menu as well." "Perhaps you should remind him that there are many American men who would be delighted to have a French girlfriend cook for them." Lieberman encouraged the Redditor to reevaluate her relationship. "Perhaps you should remind him that there are many American men who would be delighted to have a French girlfriend cook for them, regardless of whether she's making vegetarian lasagna or veal escalope."
Politico
a day ago
- Politico
Is Spadea's radio return imminent?
Good Wednesday morning! Former gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea wasn't at the 'New Jersey Unites' rally Saturday to boost Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli. 'Certain people are still being party poopers, but that's their call,' former state Sen Ed Durr told The Inquirer. Spadea has been uncharacteristically quiet since losing badly to Ciattarelli. But he may be talking to New Jerseyans again soon. There's informed speculation that he's going to be returning to the radio soon. Far-right podcaster Mike Crispi tweeted last week that Spadea is 'coming back to the airwaves' in September but didn't say where he heard it, or whether it would be back at NJ 101.5. And I've heard similar claims third-hand. A spokesperson for the station's parent company said they have nothing official to confirm yet. I've been expecting this for some time. Spadea didn't formally cut ties with 101.5, where he hosted the drive time show for 10 years. Rather, he's been on leave since he hosted his last show in January. And Spadea suggested during his concession speech that he'd return to his hosting gig, which he called 'the biggest microphone in this state.' My colleague Daniel Han has even recently heard commercials on the station read by Spadea (and presumably not the voice AI used by his campaign). 'Nothing has been announced yet about his next steps professionally, but we will have some exciting news to share soon,' former Spadea Campaign Manager Tom Bonfonti said in a statement. If Spadea's lack of attendance at the unity rally is any indication, he still hasn't come around on backing Ciattarelli. Will he, like he did four years ago, criticize the Republican nominee for governor from his perch on New Jersey's largest radio station? Or will he be sensitive to sour grapes accusations? Also in Spadea news, a three-year-old defamation lawsuit against him by child psychologist Steven Tobias looks to be headed for trial soon. Last week, a judge scheduled it for Oct. 20, though Spadea's attorney is seeking to get it moved to January, citing a dispute over depositions. FEEDBACK? Reach me at mfriedman@ WHERE'S MURPHY? Back in New Jersey. He's in Kearny at 11 a.m. to sign this legislation on manufacturing tax credits QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'An elephant in Jersey? Fuhgeddaboudit.' — A billboard on Route 9 sponsored by World Animal Protection, which is demanding Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari shut down its elephant exhibit and release its five elephants to a wildlife sanctuary HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Gerry Krovatin, Larry Weitzner, Sharon Shinkle-Gardner, Kristin Ianco Yaeger WHAT TRENTON MADE SCUTABBA — Alina Habba dines with Scutari, O'Toole, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: Amid uncertainty about her tenure, controversial acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba met Monday night with a powerful New Jersey Democrat and several well-connected Republicans. Habba dined at Ristorante da Benito in Union with Democratic Senate President Nick Scutari, Port Authority Chair and former GOP state Sen. Kevin O'Toole, former New Jersey U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito and Tom Scrivo, O'Toole's law partner who served as chief counsel to Gov. Chris Christie. That's according to two officials with knowledge of the meeting who were granted anonymity to discuss a politically sensitive subject. The dinner suggests Habba is at least open to establishing relationships with powerful New Jersey Democrats, even after she expressed a desire to 'turn New Jersey red,' announced investigations into New Jersey's immigration enforcement policies, aborted the prosecution of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, indicted Rep. LaMonica McIver and announced an investigation of Gov. Phil Murphy's gaffe about housing a person above his garage 'whose immigration status is not yet at the point they are trying to get it to.' HOW NOT TO HELP DAD GET A PARDON — New Jersey Democrats are continuing to use President Donald Trump as a boogeyman as they look to boost Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill's gubernatorial bid against Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Standing in front of the building formerly known as Trump Plaza in Jersey City on Tuesday, Rep. Rob Menendez was flanked by union leader Martinique Costa, and Lissa Santiago, an educator, for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's first stop in its statewide tour dubbed 'Jack's Not for Jersey.' Menendez chided Ciattarelli for his support of Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, echoing a line of messaging Sherrill has also used. 'In seven months, Trump has already failed New Jersey, and Jack is tied to all of those failures because he would support every single one,' Menendez said. 'That's going to be on the ballot in November.' Sherrill and her allies have consistently tied Ciattarelli to the president, with the hope that Trump's negative approval rating in the state and repeated warnings about how his policies could impact the economy will drag Ciattarelli down. Ciattarelli has pushed back against these attacks by asserting he is focused on New Jersey issues. — Madison Fernandez (headline by me) —'New details about hundreds of millions tacked on to NJ budget' —'Where's the pork in New Jersey's 2026 budget?' —'A teacher's murder over 50 years ago just prompted a landmark parole ruling against her killer' —'NJ state trooper from Brick pleads guilty to attempting to arrange sex with 14-year-old' —'Former South Toms River mayor to replace Democrat in LD10 race' —'Green Party names new lieutenant governor candidate' —'Stockton's Hughes Center, Press of Atlantic City to host 2nd District Assembly debate' TRUMP ERA INTIMIGRATION — 'Immigrant detentions in N.J. and Pa. rise as more people without criminal records are held,' by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Joe Yerardi: 'The number of people detained in ICE custody in New Jersey and Pennsylvania was up about 68% in July compared to figures at the start of President Donald Trump's administration, recently released government data show. At the same time, the proportion of detainees ICE classifies as 'non-criminal' has risen by more than 50% since mid-January (ICE did not respond to a question seeking a precise definition of that term). The increase in those cases, in which people are charged with immigration offenses, such as entering the country illegally or overstaying a visa, accounts for the entire growth in the region's detained population. There are currently seven active facilities in the region — five in Pennsylvania and two in New Jersey.' —'Two House Democrats vow to continue oversight visits at ICE jails' —'Pou, Kim and Booker must champion organ donation in NJ. Here's how | Opinion' —'National Republicans attack Nellie Pou over 'leaked memo' they wrote' LOCAL LUNA-CY — 'Fatal crash suspect had two prior DUIs. How was he allowed to drive?' by Red Bank Green's Brian Donohue: 'The Red Bank man charged with killing a mother and daughter in a Lakewood car crash had already been charged twice this year with driving under the influence, but may have been allowed to keep driving legally because of a statewide pause on thousands of DUI cases involving a new unproven breathalyzer machine, court officials, prosecutors and defense attorneys tell redgankgreen. Raul Luna-Perez, 43, has been charged with two counts of aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide in the July 24 crash that killed Maria Pleitez (pictured below at center) and her daughter Dayanara Cortes, age 11. … Described by the US Department of Homeland Security officials as an 'illegal alien,' he was briefly detained by US Customs and Immigration Enforcement before being returned to the Ocean County Jail. It was far from the first time in recent months that police say Luna-Perez was driving drunk and recklessly … In both cases, he had court dates at Red Bank Municipal Court several weeks after his arrest. And in both cases, instead of having a trial or hearings in which he could have had his license suspended or been ordered to install an ignition interlock device on his car, the case was put on hold, according to both the Red Bank Municipal Court administrator and municipal prosecutor … John Hogan, a defense attorney with the firm Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, called it a 'massive backlog' that has turned into a years-long legal morass for victims, defendants, and municipal courts around the state.' LIVIN' ON THE RIVER EDGE — 'Ex-North Bergen housing ED used $20k in gov't funds for vendors to work on his home,' by Hudson County View's John Heinis: 'Former North Bergen Housing Authority Executive Director Gerald Sanzari used over $20,000 in government funds to pay vendors to do work on his home. In November 2024, the Township of North Bergen referred this matter to the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office for review. This was roughly two months after Sanzari, a former deputy police chief, resigned 'due to personal health reasons,' as HCV first reported. He was replaced by Assemblyman Julio Marenco (D-33). The investigation found that on various dates between January 2022 and June 2024, the defendant utilized city vendors to perform contract work at his private residence.' THE MICHAEL J. 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The state's School Ethics Commission has also issued decisions to school districts that limit a board member's role in superintendent employment matters. The district's policy and state guidance could complicate a proposal to extend León's contract to 2030. Board members Anderson and Maisonave did not respond to Chalkbeat's questions about the perceived conflicts of interest. Council, in an email Monday, said it was 'insulting to suggest that board members are unaware of their responsibility to recuse themselves when personally impacted.'' BOIL TEMPER ADVISORY — 'Frustration grows in Paterson, N.J. on Day 5 of boil water advisory after water main break,' by CBS New York's Christina Fan: 'Officials said a leak preventing water pressure from returning following a massive water main break in Paterson, N.J. is being repaired. Nearly 200,000 people remain under a boil water advisory for a fifth straight day while repairs are being made. Officials said it could be the end of the week, or even next week, before that advisory is lifted.' RENT CONTROL IS SO PASSAI —'City of Passaic moves toward lowering its cap on rent hikes as advocacy groups speak up,' by The Record's Matt Fagan: 'The city continues to grapple with the issue of affordable rent and housing as it tries to make sure owners and landlords also get a reasonable return on their investment. The efforts have not gone unnoticed. At its Aug. 5 meeting, the City Council introduced an ordinance to cap rent increases at 3%, with several exceptions, including for newly constructed units, in front of a large crowd of tenants and advocacy groups. The proposed ordinance also eliminates vacancy 'decontrol,' which has allowed landlords to raise rents without limits when units become vacant, a move that advocates say essentially undermines housing affordability. The proposed ordinance, in part prompted by a proposed referendum by Make the Road New Jersey, an Elizabeth-based advocacy group, would require the city to impose a 3% annual rent cap.' HE STARTED DURING PANGEA, WHEN YOU COULD SWIM TO AFRICA — 'World record oldest ocean lifeguard still patrols 'God's pool' in Bay Head,' by The Asbury Park Press' Jerry Carino: 'One summer Saturday in the 1980s, Ed Kiziukiewicz was serving as captain of the lifeguards at Island Beach State Park when his crew's 8:30 a.m. meeting was interrupted by an urgent development. 'There were 28 people in trouble in a rip current,' Kiziukiewicz recalled. 'So we took care of that.' … Yes, Kiziukiewicz is still lifeguarding four decades later, and that span is just a portion of his tenure. His career as Jersey Shore ocean lifeguard began 1962 — this is summer No. 64 for the 82-year-old, who has been certified by Guinness World Records as the globe's oldest male open-water lifeguard. 'He's such an inspiration to everybody here,' said Hank Handchen, Bay Head's longtime beach superintendent. 'He's got more knowledge than anybody.'' —'The slow-moving fight to clean New Jersey's most contaminated river' —'[Edison]. judge admits drinking before crash, violating rules for judges' —'[Seaside Heights] will close beaches after lifeguards leave following drowning, mayor says' —'Freehold Fire Chief placed on administrative leave after arrest for assault' —'These 3 councilmen want to be mayor of [Paterson]. All are already in legal trouble' —'Icona seeks signatures in favor of plan for luxury hotel on Ocean City Boardwalk' —'In Camden and Atlantic City, health care systems are treating housing as a public health issue' —'Demolition ceremony marks new beginning for Camden's Eastside High School' —'[Mount Laurel] employee accused of sexually assaulting underage girl, investigators say' EVERYTHING ELSE 'SHAKE AND BAKE' NOW AN APPROPRIATE N.J. CANNABIS LOUNGE NAME — 'Big spike in N.J. earthquakes could mean more tremors will hit this year, expert predicts,' by NJ Advance Media's Len Melisurgo: 'New Jersey residents who were rattled by the recent spree of earthquakes in Bergen and Morris counties may have to get accustomed to the sudden shaking and loud booms, according to an earthquake expert who had predicted an uptick in seismic activity several years ago. Alexander Gates, a geology professor at Rutgers University's Newark campus who studies the locations and movements of quake faults, said the Garden State and New York metro region appear to be amid a recurring 40-year cycle of increased seismic activity. Gates said he teamed up with a Rutgers graduate student to research and plot out all the earthquakes that have occurred in the region since 1975, when seismograph technology became more reliable. And in a presentation they gave at a scientific conference in 2020, they predicted our region would likely see an uptick in earthquakes within a few years. That's exactly what ended up happening … Gates believes the huge spike in tremors last year and this year may be part of the cycle he and his fellow researchers had predicted. If that's the case, then there's a good chance New Jersey will see more quakes shaking the ground during the next several months and perhaps next year.' THE SKELETONS MENENDEZ PROMISED? — 'A pig bone. An old soap factory. What else will the Hudson River rail tunnel work dig up?' by The Record's Colleen Wilson: 'There is no telling what could be found during excavation of an old landfill beneath a crumbling parking lot on Manhattan's 12th Avenue — or in the swampy Meadowlands of North Jersey — during the dig to build a new two-track rail tunnel under the Hudson River. Perhaps discarded remains of the Pennsylvania Railroad's historic New York Penn Station will be uncovered. Or tools and artifacts from Indigenous populations of the past. Who knows — maybe they'll find the body of Jimmy Hoffa, the union leader who mysteriously disappeared in 1975 and who, according to urban legend, was buried under the old Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands. So far, none of those things have been unearthed — but some items have been discovered already, and the excavation is just beginning. … So far, none of those things have been unearthed — but some items have been discovered already, and the excavation is just beginning.' GET DOWN PAYMENT ON IT — 'North Jersey home of Kool & The Gang founder hits market for $7.5 million,' by The Record's David Zimmer: 'A Montclair property formerly owned by Dennis 'Dee Tee' Thomas, a founding member of the legendary funk and soul band Kool & the Gang, has been listed for $7.5 million. 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Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Oregon faces $15 billion loss in federal funding for health and food programs
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon is slated to lose $15 billion in federal funding for health insurance, food benefits and other programs according to a new analysis. The Department of Administrative Services released a preliminary report Aug. 11 detailing the impact of H.R. 1 on state agency programs. Oregon's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid will be the hardest hit. In a statement, Governor Tina Kotek said, 'The Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress have betrayed American children and families, who will become sicker, hungrier, and less prosperous because of President Trump's budget bill. 'Oregonians will see less of their federal tax dollars coming back to our state for things they count on. In the statement, Kotek said the president and Congress know that states like Oregon cannot cover the gap alone. 'I am going to work with Oregon lawmakers and community partners to do all that we can to stand up for Oregonians and get through this needless, callous hardship,' she said. Federal-Impact-HR1-Initial-AnalysisDownload According to the analysis, Oregon will see a reduction in Medicaid funding of $127 million between 2025 and 2027. From there, the cuts deepen. For the 2027 to 2029 biennium, the state Medicaid program will lose $534 million. From 2029 to 2031, it will lose $531 million. The cost to implement these changes and ensure enrollees are complying with the new rules will bring the cost even higher. According to the report, the state is expected to lose $344 million for the 2025 to 2027 period, and $2.2 billion in the 2027 to 2029 period. From 2029 to 2031, it is expected to lose $2.3 billion. Impacts to SNAP were less clear since some of the changes went into effect on July 1 but federal guidance is still lacking, the report said. What is clear is that the exemption of some from receiving SNAP benefits is expected to put a strain on food banks and other support systems. The governor's office said she will meet with lawmakers and stakeholders to identify those who will feel the cuts most, and looking for opportunities to reduce the impact. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
