New Jersey’s Climate Fight: What the New Governor Must Do

A fresh mandate for environmental stewardship

Gov. Mikie Sherrill, a former congresswoman, has stepped into the governor’s office with an enviable environmental record. Her first priority is to inherit and amplify the climate agenda left by Gov. Murphy, as New Jersey confronts both development pressures and escalating natural threats.

Recent Progress Under Gov. Murphy

• Invasive Species Control
  A new law halted the sale of certain invasive plants and reactivated a council dedicated to monitoring them.

• Sea‑Level Rise Adaptation
  The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) introduced rules requiring higher ground for new homes in vulnerable zones and promoted stormwater solutions, including wetlands restoration.

• Environmental Justice
  A court upheld the state’s Environmental Justice Law, preventing projects from adding pollution to already stressed neighborhoods.

• Natural Climate Solutions Grant
  Funding supports local groups in planting trees, protecting wetlands, and improving air quality.