For Immediate Release
Contact: Jeff Tittel, NJ Sierra Club, 609-558-9100
Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D-37) has announced her retirement from the state senate at the end of her current term. She has been a New Jersey Senator since 2005 and Senate Majority Leader since 1012. During her time in the NJ Legislature, Senator Weinberg has championed critical legislation to protect Environmental Justice communities, reform NJ Transit, protect the people of New Jersey from Bakken crude oil trains, and hold polluters accountable. She was also vocal in opposing the NJ Transit Meadowlands power plant and expanding access to public records. Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, released the following statement:
“Senator Weinberg has been an environmental champion in the New Jersey Legislature for nearly 30 years. She has stood up against special interests and for environmental protections. She has fought to protect clean air, clean water, and the environment for decades. She has stood with us and has been willing to stand up to her own party to do what’s right. Not only will Senator Weinberg be missed, she is irreplaceable.
“From opposing the Xanadu Mall to fighting the Meadowlands power plant, Senator Weinberg has shown true environmental leadership. She fought for legislation to protect the people of New Jersey from dangerous bomb trains carrying Bakken crude oil. She also supported legislation to protect Environmental Justice communities and hold polluters accountable. She has worked to protect the Highlands, promote renewable energy and clean transportation, and even stood up to her own leadership and Governor in opposing the Fast Track Law.
“NJ Transit has been a disaster for commuters, and Senator Weinberg worked tirelessly to try to reform the agency. Not only has she worked on legislation to help restore NJ Transit to the agency it once was, but she also opposed the proposed NJ Transit natural gas power plant in the Meadowlands. Thanks to her efforts, the power plant has been canceled. Senator Weinberg also has a bill currently in the Legislature that would increase transparency and accountability for NJ Transit, which will help allow for a more open process.
“I have enjoyed working with Senator Weinberg over the years on many different issues. She has stopped bad bills many times over the decades while pushing through some of the most important environmental legislation. Her leadership on environmental and public health and safety issues have affected our everyday lives for the better. Not only has she been an environmental leader, but she has been a champion for women’s rights and the LGBTQ community. We hope that her replacement will have the same environmental record and will be the same environmental champion for the people of this district. When it comes to clean air, clean water, and the environment it will be hard to replace her.”