NEW JERSEY – Clean Water Action, a national organization with an active presence in the Garden State since 1982, is working in pivotal mid-term federal races across the country to both retain what it calls “pro-environmental champions” like Congressman Frank Pallone (CD6-NJ), as well as flip seats in Congress to be pro-environment with challenger candidates like Rebecca Bennett (CD7-NJ).

New Jersey has long led the way in setting a high bar for environmental and public health safeguards, says Amy Goldsmith, Clean Water Action’s NJ Director.

“This has resulted in the adoption of federal policies like the Superfund for toxic site cleanups, stricter drinking water standards, and so much more.  Over the last two years, our accomplishments have been eroded by draconian federal rollbacks in policy, funding and staff, “she said.

“Changing the make-up and voices in Congress is one of the best ways to slow down the dismantlement of vital agencies, like the US Environmental Protection Agency, and erosion of democracy as we know it in this country. Our ability to do this starts with exercising our voting rights – knowing how, when and where to vote, Goldsmith said.

“This summer was a wake-up call for action – extreme heat, flash floods, loss of lives, homes, and businesses left no part of the state untouched by devastation.”We are in an economic and environmental crisis that will only intensify over time and with greater frequency, she said. “Sending a strong pro-environmental majority from our NJ delegation to Washington is one way of helping to turn the tide of national policy towards protecting, not abandoning, our struggling families and economy. Becoming informed about NJ’s congressional candidates is key to making the right choices at the ballot box.”

Goldsmith said her organization is supporting nine congressional candidates from New Jersey, including: US Senator Cory Booker, Herb Conaway MD (CD3), Frank Pallone (CD6), Rebecca Bennett (CD7), Robert Menendez Jr. (CD8), Nellie Pou (CD9), LaMonica McIver (CD10), Analilia Mejia (CD11), and Dr. Adam Hamawy (CD12).