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

The state is now led by Gov. Mikie Sherrill, a former congresswoman who has shown a strong record on the environment. Her first task is to step into the role of climate champion left by her predecessor, especially as New Jersey faces a mix of development pressures and natural threats. The last years under Gov. Murphy saw some bright moments: a new law stopped the sale of certain invasive plants and revived a council that watches over them. The Department of Environmental Protection introduced rules to help communities adapt to sea‑level rise, storms and flooding. They set higher ground for new homes in vulnerable zones and pushed for better stormwater solutions, including wetlands restoration. A court decision upheld the state’s Environmental Justice Law, ensuring that projects cannot add pollution to already stressed neighborhoods. Funding from a Natural Climate Solutions grant program is now helping local groups plant trees, protect wetlands and keep the air cleaner.But there are dark clouds coming from Washington. A controversial pipeline that would carry fracked gas into New York City has moved forward, threatening coastal ecosystems and marine life. Federal rollbacks in 2025 weakened the National Environmental Policy Act, limiting thorough reviews and public input. Rules that could shrink protections for marine mammals, endangered species and clean water are also in the pipeline. These changes make it harder to safeguard New Jersey’s natural resources and slow progress on clean energy. Gov. Sherrill has the chance to turn the tide. She can push for more affordable renewable energy, taking advantage of falling solar prices and better battery storage to cut emissions and lower utility bills. Her administration can also revive bold clean‑energy legislation that Gov. Murphy struggled to pass. With a new legislative session underway, the state’s leaders must seize this moment for decisive action on climate and conservation.