From The Jersey Sierran, July - September 2022
Political Chair's Report
By Karen Becker, political.chair@newjersey.sierraclub.org
As the 2022 election cycle swings into full gear, the Political Committee has been busy once again. Several more congressional endorsements have been made, and only a few remain to be considered before the November 8 General Election. We specifically endorsed candidates who have the climate, environment, social justice, and sustainable energy as major components of their platform. We urge you to support and vote for the candidates who best represent Sierra Club values. Our official endorsements are in the accompanying box.
Environmental Town Hall with Congressman Malinowski
The Hunterdon Warren Group hosted a one-on-one with Rep. Tom Malinowski on April 21. Sierra Club Director Anjuli Ramos-Busot asked the tough questions, and we got thorough, well-thought-out responses to the environmental concerns that plague not just District 7, but also the nation and world.
Some of the key issues Malinowski touched on were advocating for clean energy jobs, choosing the right sustainable energy sources, and not granting oil companies drilling rights in New Jersey or the Arctic. He also supports a “carbon border tax,” which would make exporting countries such as China, India, and Vietnam produce products with improved emissions standards. The border tax would benefit workers and incentivize industries to change their practices.
As a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Malinowski has advocated for the House Budget Committee to fund Northeast Corridor rail improvement (the Gateway Program) and the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Flood-Risk Management Program. Malinowski and Reps. Mikie Sherrill and Andy Kim were recognized in 2021 by the Sierra Club’s national office for their early vote on the budget reconciliation that addressed funding for environmental issues.