Trenton and across the Garden State, NJ -- A united New Jersey environmental community, including ANJEC, Clean Ocean Action, Delaware Riverkeeper, Environment New Jersey, Food and Water Watch, NJ Environmental Federation, NJ Environmental Lobby, NJ Highlands Coalition, Pinelands Preservation Alliance, Raritan Headwaters Association, Sierra Club, and the Tri State Transportation Campaign, reacted strongly and swiftly today to the Assembly Democratic leadership's decision to dump Chairman John McKeon entirely from the Assembly Environment Committee.

"No Assembly member has done more to protect the environment and health of New Jersey citizens over the past decade than John McKeon. Speaker Oliver, Majority Leader Greenwald, and other members of the Democratic Leadership can take away his title but they cannot take away his role -- past, present, and future effective environmental champ! This is just the latest example of too much emphasis on internal party grievances, fundraising, and political retribution over sound environmental and public policy. We recognize that Assemblywoman Spencer is in a very difficult position but we look forward to joining with her to do our best for the public and the environment," said David Pringle, NJ Environmental Federation.

"Assemblyman McKeon was an extremely effective chair who used his leadership post to advance a legacy of protections for the state's air, land and water. We are deeply concerned that the Assembly leadership would want to remove such an effective leader, especially at this time when environmental protections face an unprecedented number of rollbacks, mainly from the Governor but also from within the Legislature as we saw this week with passage of the Dirty Water bill. We are glad Assemblywoman Spencer is so invigorated by the challenges ahead. We look forward to working closely with her to fend off additional rollbacks and to advance solutions to New Jersey's environmental problems," said Dena Mottola Jaborska, Environment New Jersey.

"John McKeon as Environmental Committee Chair is true environmental champion. He has passed more legislation to protect New Jersey's open spaces and environment than any other chair. His removal marks a sad day for our environment. McKeon as chair of the committee had expertise in environmental policy, regulations, and law. Very complex issues come before the committee and you need someone like John who has a good understanding of these important issues," added Jeff Tittel, the NJ Sierra Club.

"Assemblyman McKeon is a strong voice in the effort ban fracking in New Jersey and prevent fracking waste from threatening our drinking water," said Jim Walsh, Food & Water Watch. "It is really unfortunate that internal party politics have cost him his chairmanship."

"John McKeon has provided needed leadership that has benefited New Jersey's communities and drinking water. Now we face some of the biggest environmental challenges ever in the coming year contending with environmental rollbacks that will damage our water supplies and looming energy issues and we need a Committee that has both backbone and political savvy. We know Assemblyman McKeon can deliver this and are shocked that his ability and accomplishments are not recognized by those who have worked so well with him. We are very concerned that his removal will be a very bad outcome for New Jersey's environment", said Maya von Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper.

"New Jersey has lost the guidance of a great environmental leader whose vision and energy will be greatly missed. 64% of New Jersey's residents who receive their drinking water from the Highlands owe Assemblyman McKeon a heartfelt "thank you" for his work to protect that water supply. Assemblywoman Spencer has big shoes to fill. We look forward to working with her, but question why leadership took this action," continued Julia Somers, NJ Highlands Coalition.

"Assemblyman John McKeon's grasp of the issues that challenge New Jersey's unique environment and his dedication to protecting precious natural resources have been vital to our state's health and welfare. All of us in New Jersey who take for granted that we will have clean water coming from our faucets every day owe Assemblyman McKeon a great debt. He will be sorely missed in his position as Chair. We sincerely hope this is not an indication that the Assembly is abandoning clean water and clean air in New Jersey," said Cindy Ehrenclou, Executive Director, Raritan Headwaters Association.

"Over his long tenure as Chairman of the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee, Assemblyman John McKeon has been an incredibly effective leader - bringing elected officials together from both sides of the aisle to make the most responsible and most reasonable decisions on matters of public health and environmental protection. No matter the issue, Chairman McKeon made sure that there were thorough and nonpartisan debates, that all parties and interests had equal access to decision-makers, and that bills which benefited the quality of life for the citizens of New Jersey became law. Taking away Assemblyman McKeon's Chairmanship is a disservice to the people of the State, but will not diminish his record or his legacy," continued Cindy Zipf, Clean Ocean Action.

"John McKeon is one the environment's strongest advocates. As chair of the Assembly Environment and Sold Waste, McKeon has sponsored some of the most important environmental legislation. He has made sure NJ is poised to have a cleaner environment and is ready to grow its economy sustainably. Because of Assemblyman McKeon's leadership, knowledge and passion NJ has become a cleaner, healthier and better place. McKeon's removal as chair of and a member of the Assembly Environment Committee shows that the leadership is not serious about protecting the environment and protecting us," said Mike Pisauro, NJ Environmental Lobby.

"ANJEC is grateful to Assemblyman McKeon for his strong environmental leadership, guiding through protection for the Highlands, open space, and drinking water, and advocating green building practices. We are very disappointed in this decision but look forward to continuing work with him, and to developing a strong relationship with Assemblywoman Spencer in support of effective environmental legislation," said Sandy Batty, Association of NJ Environmental Commissions (ANJEC).

"Strong environmental protections in New Jersey rely on strong, committed leadership. Assemblyman McKeon has been and will continue to be one of those strong leaders, but his absence as chairman of the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee will surely be felt. Pinelands Preservation Alliance thanks Assemblyman McKeon for all his work, and we hope that the new chairperson will share the same dedication and concern for New Jersey's environment as Assemblyman McKeon has for the past eight years," concluded Jaclyn Rhoads, Pinelands Preservation Alliance.

Additional Press Contacts:

Mike Pisauro, NJ Environmental Lobby, 609-577-7584
Cindy Zipf, Clean Ocean Action, 732-872-0111
Delaware Riverkeeper, 215-692-2329
Jeff Tittel, NJ Sierra Club 609-558-9100
Sandy Batty, ANJEC, 973-539-7547
Dena Mottola Jaborska, Environment New Jersey, 609-540-6609

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