How do NJ's Democratic candidates for governor see Trump's plans on the environment?

Yahoo

11-02-2025

As the Trump administration continues to implement an agenda that strongly echoes Project 2025, Elon Musk is eyeing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration next for his 'government efficiency' efforts.
That agency, part of the Department of Commerce, is home to the National Weather Service and is responsible for providing scientifically accurate weather forecasts, advisories, watches and warnings to residents throughout the country.
Musk's examination of NOAA comes two weeks after the United States withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, an international treaty aimed at mitigating climate change.
So what do the Democratic hopefuls in this year's gubernatorial primary see as New Jersey's role in the fight against climate change?
'The reality is that climate change is real — no matter what Donald Trump or anyone else says,' Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said. 'Ignoring it doesn't make the rising sea levels, stronger storms or extreme heat disappear.'
Baraka went on to say it's critical for New Jersey to be a 'leader, not a follower,' because of the actions of the federal government. He noted that the state can't 'afford to be dependent on outdated energy sources or vulnerable power grids' and can't 'back down in the face of climate denial.'
'We see flooding devastating communities across every county in our state, and so-called 'hundred-year storms' happening multiple times a decade,' Baraka said. 'Clean energy is not just an environmental issue — it's an economic issue, a public safety issue, a public health issue and a moral imperative.'
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop announced his candidacy nearly two years ago and has provided policy platforms on a whole host of topics. One addresses sustainability and the environment, which he says are important because as a father with young kids, he recognizes that climate change is an essential threat.
'Being a mayor I understand the levers of government and what we can do with and without the federal government, so when you have a partner in Washington who is not supportive, it doesn't mean we give up our priorities as it relates to the environment and climate change,' Fulop said.
He cited measures the state can take without federal, help such as land preservation, land acquisition and Green Acres funding.
Fulop went on to say he believes 'clean energy alternatives are really important to the long-term health of New Jersey' and that the state administration needs to be smarter, because the federal government 'obviously is not supportive.'
Continuing the Murphy administration's plan to make the state energy-independent by 2035 is something Sean Spiller, president of the New Jersey Education Association, would do if elected.
'I will never let Donald Trump and the big oil special interests dictate New Jersey's climate and energy priorities,' he said. 'New Jersey can and must be a leader in the effort to create clean energy and combat climate change. We need an energy master plan that will bring down costs, create green energy jobs and invest in sustainability and renewable energy.'
Rep. Mikie Sherrill thinks the state needs a 'comprehensive strategy to address climate change and build a plan that meets the energy needs of the future with clean, low-cost power.'
'This will fuel economic growth and create good-paying jobs, prevent worsening weather events due to climate change, and improve the health of our children and grandchildren,' she said. 'It's maddening that the president is putting up roadblocks for clean energy — with the upcoming huge energy needs, we need an all-of-the-above approach that invests in strategies that will create more energy and lower carbon emissions and costs.'
Rep. Josh Gottheimer said the 'intense flooding, rising tides and extreme storms' New Jersey has experienced are evidence of climate change and that he would be focusing on giving families a break by lowering the cost of energy with an 'all-of-the-above energy plan— especially more alternative energy.'
Former state Senate President Steve Sweeney did not respond to calls for comment.
What they said: New Jersey's Democratic candidates for governor debated
As New Jersey gears up for a historic gubernatorial election, a new poll shows that overwhelming majorities of likely Democratic voters support strong action to protect the environment — and believe that a clean energy transition would lower costs for working families.
A poll, conducted by Global Strategy Group on behalf of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, shows that likely Democratic voters support prioritizing climate change and pushing back against the Trump administration.
Of those surveyed, 67% would be more likely to vote for a candidate who 'supports bold climate policies that will push back against President Trump's anti-environmental agenda.'
The poll also found that more than 80% of likely primary voters believe clean energy would lower New Jersey families' energy bills and nearly 90% believe it's more important for New Jersey to take steps to protect the environment at the state level in response to the Trump administration.
The poll, which surveyed 800 likely 2025 Democratic primary voters between Nov. 21 and 25, has a margin of error of 3.5%.
Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email: [e-mail]
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ Democrat governor candidates on Trump environment policy