(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrat Timothy Eustace, Andrew Zwicker, Daniel Benson and Vincent Mazzeo to encourage resident participation in Earth Hour, a worldwide movement to raise awareness of the effects of climate change was approved by the full Assembly, 62-9-1, on Thursday.
Specifically, the Assembly Resolution urges statewide participation in Earth Hour 2017, an annual event sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund, during which people from all walks of life, in communities large and small, dim their lights for one hour in order to “cast a vote in favor of action” to combat climate change.
“Since its inception in 2007 as a single-city initiative, Earth Hour has become a global phenomenon,” said Eustace (D-Bergen, Passaic). “It has raised worldwide environmental awareness. The effects of climate change are expected to continue and worsen in future years. Coastal communities, like our towns along the New Jersey shore are projected to lose up to $7 trillion in buildings, transportation, and other assets by mid-century if climate change is not properly addressed.”
“As a scientist, I have devoted my career to the development of non-fossil fuel sources of electricity,” said Zwicker (D-Hunterdon, Mercer and Middlesex). “Climate change is real and it is a threat to New Jersey’s economy. Reducing the impact of climate change is imperative for us and for future generations. Earth Hour is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with others in this nation and throughout the world.”
“In its 10th year, Earth Hour has been celebrated by cities, businesses and treasured landmarks across the nation and around the world,” said Benson (D-Mercer, Middlesex). “Earth Hour is an important movement as we continue to raise awareness of the effects of climate change and devise ways to reduce our overall environmental footprint.”
A number of hotels and casinos have registered participation in this year’s Earth Hour movement, including: Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Caesars Atlantic City Hotel and Casino, Harrah’s Resort. Verizon Wireless, Walgreen’s, Sealed Air Corporation, H&M and Marriott International are among the corporations who have committed to participating in Earth Hour.
“I applaud the participation of New Jersey businesses in Earth Hour 2017,” said Mazzeo (D-Atlantic). “This is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with others throughout the world and encourage efforts to effectively address global warming and work toward creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.”
According to the Earth Hour website, in 2016, over 1.23 million individual actions were taken to help reduce climate change in more than 7,000 cities worldwide.
Earth Hour is scheduled to take place from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2017, and marks the 10th anniversary of Earth Hour.
The resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, will be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the Governor, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, and the President and Chief Executive Office of the World Wildlife Fund in the United States.