Extraordinary Victory for the ocean! Governor Christie Rejects Dirty Fossil Fuels in the Ocean

Earth Day was Ocean Day for the Region

Statement of Cindy Zipf Executive Director of Clean Ocean Action

Earth Day 2010 marked a new day for the ocean. NJ Governor Christie came to the Jersey Shore, joined by former NJ Governor Tom Kean, and announced his steadfast opposition to any Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities and any Offshore Drilling that could adversely affect New Jersey waters. The crowd of 150 ocean friends was jubilant. Governor Tom Kean was governor during the devastating summers of 1987 and 1988 when medical waste, dolphins, and raw sewage washed ashore. Governor Kean launched the first wave of ocean protection and over the years, with grit and determination, ocean water quality became cleaner, ocean dumping ended, and the ocean's health vastly improved.

Today there is a new assault of dirty fossil fuel industries lurking off our shores. Governor Christies' bold and crystal clear promise at the press conference rejects this new industrial assault: "The future of our shore, the future of our children to enjoy our beaches in the same way that I got to enjoy them, is more important than any project regarding liquefied natural gas...that's why I'm confident in announcing that decision today on Earth Day and it is a decision that I will stand by every day that I am Governor of the State of New Jersey."

Governor Christie's declaration was an act of swift, firm, and outstanding leadership. He kept his campaign promises on these issues within his first 100 days.

Truly a remarkable victory for the ocean thanks to Governor Christie.

Click here to read Governor Christie's Press Statement

Click here to see video of the Governor's remarks

Ocean Emotion Delivered:

Students from throughout Monmouth County, including the Academy of Allied Health and Science, Beers Street School, Manasquan High School, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, Middletown High School South, Ocean Township High School, and Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, presented the Governor with ocean emotion. These students represented the thousands of students and citizens from throughout NJ who made the Governor over 2,300 valentines in February, thanking him for his strong commitment to a healthy, industry-free ocean. They were thrilled to give him their valentines and receive the news that he will not allow LNG projects off NJ's coast.

Send a thank you note to the Governor to thank him for his decision!

Mail letters to:

Office of the Governor
PO Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625

or email: http://www.state.nj.us/governor/contact/