RPA congratulates New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy on his historic election victory. As the first Democrat to be re-elected in New Jersey in almost 44 years, Governor Murphy has a unique opportunity to build upon the successful initiatives of his first-term and solidify his legacy as a transformative leader. Here are some key priorities we’d like to see advance in the Governor’s second term.
Continue Flood Mitigation and Adaptation Efforts
It’s likely that sea level will rise one foot by 2030 in New Jersey and two feet by 2050 according to Rutgers University. Hurricane Ida - which claimed at least 29 lives in New Jersey, more than any state in the country - demonstrated the threat from stormwater flooding is just as grave. Fortunately, a majority of metro area residents support local governments taking significant steps - like buying out homeowners in flood zones - to protect against climate change. Some other steps can include:
Continuing to advance the state’s Climate Change Resilience Strategy, including ensuring a smooth rollout for expanded buyout programs. In addition, developing an ongoing, dedicated funding stream for adaptation planning and projects could include the establishment of an adaptation trust fund.
Promoting climate resilience in the Meadowlands, a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, a network of communities where hundreds of thousands live, and a critical convergence of vital infrastructure, all at increasing risk from rising sea levels and worsening storms. The Meadowlands are a vital component of regional resilience, and Governor Murphy’s second term should include a plan to protect it for generations to come.
Identify and Dedicate Funding for NJ Transit Operations
Transit service is a key component of several stated goals of the Murphy Administration, including advancing equity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is also a linchpin for our economic recovery from COVID-19 as commuters begin returning to the office and essential workers, many of whom do not have access to cars, continue to rely on the agency (particularly local bus service) for their transportation needs. Now more than ever, it is critical we protect the service that supports the lives and livelihoods of the system’s nearly half-million daily riders by identifying dedicated operating funds to support reliable service.
Expand Access to Renewable Energy
Further expanding renewable energy in the state will not only reduce the state’s contribution to climate change-inducing greenhouse gases, it also offers an opportunity to expand and build new industries that provide good-paying jobs to our region’s labor force.
With new lease areas on track to open up in the NY-NJ Bight in the near future, New Jersey should work closely with New York and the Port Authority to plan for and realize opportunities for regional collaboration around offshore wind development. A bi-state approach could target areas for industry attraction in and around New York Harbor, and prepare port facilities and transmission sites for offshore wind-related investments. Such investments can help ensure workforce opportunities are available to communities with limited wealth, communities of color, and those who bear the most significant burdens of environmental injustices.
The challenges New Jersey faces are urgent and persistent. If included in a second term agenda, the priorities outlined above will help Governor Murphy double down on the foundational successes of his first term and cement a lasting legacy.
