New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has postponed a key vote on a contract to build a $180 million gas-fired power plant in Newark. Murphy called for “a more thorough environmental justice review and robust public engagement process.” The governor’s decision is being celebrated by community organizers in Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood who warn the power plant would worsen the already poor local air quality and exacerbate the climate crisis. Organizer Maria Lopez-Nuñez spoke on Democracy Now! earlier this week.
Maria Lopez-Nuñez: “And our community is majority Black and Latinx, working-class, immigrant community, that’s deeply affected by the issues. And despite all of our socioeconomic issues, immigration issues, housing issues, we still fight to make sure that we’re bettering our neighborhood. You know, we helped build a park along that river. We have a vision for our community. And that’s all we’re asking for, is not anything extra. We’re just asking for a chance to fight for clean air and clean water.”
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