League of Conservation Voters Action Fund, US Rep Frank Pallone Endorse Cho, Highlight need for Protecting North Jersey
Press Release
Roy Cho, candidate for Congress in the 5th District, today received the formal endorsement of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters Action Fund.
Cho also was joined by US Rep. Frank Pallone, one of the leaders in New Jersey's Congressional delegation for sensible environmental protections that have safeguarded clean air and water.
Ed Potosnak, executive director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters Action Fund, delivered the strong endorsement of Cho.
"In Congress, Roy Cho will be a strong voice for the people of New Jersey and our environment," said Potosnak. "He's prioritized reviving the much-needed Hudson River tunnel project that will increase transportation options, decrease air pollution and improve the quality of life for northern New Jersey residents. Cho is also dedicated to investing in green technologies and renewable energy that will enhance New Jersey's economy and natural landscapes, keeping our state a healthy and prosperous place for all New Jerseyans."
"Roy will be the leader northern New Jersey needs in the House to protect our open spaces, air, and water and to move us forward toward creating a more sustainable and viable future," said Pallone (D-6th District). "For more than a decade, Scott Garrett has stood firmly against even the most sensible environmental protections. He has voted to allow oil drilling off our coast. He has put oil company profits before the needs of our communities. We need Roy Cho in Congress to put the needs of New Jersey before polluters."
Garrett has garnered one of the worst environmental records in Congress, and has been the only New Jersey representative to have been presented with the "Climate Change Deniers Award" from a group of environmental organizations, including the League of Conservation Voters that gives Garrett a lifetime rating of only 11%.
Cho said he will be a strong advocate in Congress for responsible environmental protection and formulating policy that makes the connections between the environment, energy, and the economy.
"Protecting our quality of life requires us to not only protect our air and water, but to accelerate development of alternative energy sources, and harness the private sector's ingenuity in strategic partnerships that can create jobs," said Cho. "We must invest in a modern transportation infrastructure that will not only only get more cars off the road, but also allow people and goods to get from Point A to Point B more efficiently. We need to stop looking at environmental issues in a vacuum, as Scott Garrett does, and start connecting the dots that lead to a stronger future for our region and our nation."
Additionally, Cho joined with Oakland Mayor Linda Schwager in opposing the proposed Pilgrim Oil pipeline that is slated to be built through several communities in the 5th District. Cho and Schwager noted that the pipeline would be built in close proximity to residential areas and potentially impact the watersheds that provide much of northern New Jersey with its drinking water.
"The significant issue is that the Borough of Oakland sits completely within the Ramapo River basin and aquifer system, which is a sole source aquifer," said Schwager. "The Oakland Environmental Commission prepared a report dated September 4, 2014 which indicates a number of concerns with respect to the proposed pipeline project including loss of habitat, potential for spill, contamination of groundwater, contamination of surface water, and first responders' safety and training. I thank Roy for his support of our local efforts to stop this pipeline."
"I am proud to stand with Mayor Schwager and all the other local leaders, Democrat and Republican, who are united in opposing this pipeline," said Cho. "I pledge to be there with them, and to be a strong voice for their communities in fighting this bad idea. When our communities come together like they have now, I will always be there to work with them."
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