CNBNews

Dear New Jerseyan,

Nine years ago, our region was devastated by superstorm Sandy. Across New Jersey, we saw power outages, flooding, and the tragic loss of 43 precious lives. The strength and destruction of this storm was unprecedented for our area. Unfortunately, it has become clear that it was also one of many disasters we were beginning to see across the country — hurricanes, blizzards, droughts, wildfires — made worse by the effects of climate change.

This week, President Biden unveiled a framework for his Build Back Better agenda that includes the largest investment in history to combat the worsening effects of climate change. We know the solutions, and this legislation will start us on the path to implementing them. In the process, we’ll create hundreds of thousands of good paying green jobs by transforming our energy system, fund  the efforts of family farmers already leading on conservation practices, and make much needed investments that will help right past wrongs that have left some communities disproportionately shouldering the burden of our inaction on protecting our environment. The Build Back Better plan will cut greenhouse gas pollution, reduce energy costs for your family, give our kids cleaner air and water, and advance environmental justice.  

We know that this is not a future crisis — this is a present crisis. We are already seeing the consequences of our changing climate. Just two months ago, we saw historic flooding in New Jersey from the remnants of Hurricane Ida. If you are still dealing with the effects, I urge you to go to booker.senate.gov/ida to get connected to the assistance you need. 

We know that the only way we will recover and rebuild from this disaster and help protect ourselves from the next one is the same way we will protect our planet — by coming together, working together, and succeeding together.

Sincerely,

Cory A. Booker
United States Senator