Assemblyman John F. McKeon (D-Essex/Morris), vice-chair of the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee, issued the following statement on Thursday in response to claims Gov. Chris Christie made regarding the environment during Wednesday’s Republican presidential debate:
“The reality Gov. Christie fails to understand is that a challenge like climate change necessitates an aggressive, comprehensive approach on all fronts, from the White House to every statehouse in the country. Solar energy is important, but after failing to hold Exxon Mobil accountable for its damage to New Jersey’s natural resources and unilaterally withdrawing New Jersey from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Gov. Christie has no right whatsoever to present himself as an authority on the environment.
“Unlike fantasy football, climate change is not a game. Our nation deserves a leader who recognizes that the president of the United States has a non-negotiable duty to advance the cause of environmental protection on behalf of the American people and people across the globe.”