CLIMATE REVOLUTION ACTION NETWORK & NEW JERSEY ASSEMBLYMAN JOHN ALLEN LEAD CLIMATE STRIKE

NJ’s Gen-Z-Led Climate Nonprofit and Climate Superfund Act Prime Sponsors Unite Broad Coalition, Call on NJ Lawmakers to ‘Make Polluters Pay’ for Climate Damage & Adaptation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 14, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:

Rachel Peace

Founder, Hyperfocused Communications; Chief Communications Strategist, CRAN

M: 929-387-0707  E: rachel@hyperfocusedpr.com

ASSETS: 

Initial, High-Res Selects (Will continue to be populated)

Graphic Assets (Flyer, Union & Legislator Supporters)

Hoboken, NJ, August 14, 2025—Today at 11 am EST, Climate Revolution Action Network (CRAN) and Assemblyman John Allen (D-32) organized a strike at Hoboken’s Pier A to drive support for the passage of the New Jersey (NJ) Climate Superfund Act (CSA)— A4696/S3545. Introduced in September of 2024, it is stalled in the Assembly Commerce, Economic Development, and Agriculture and Senate Budget and Appropriations Committees; strike organizers and a coalition of activists, citizens, electeds, faith groups, political parties, action committees, and unions attended to demand its immediate passage post-recess.

“The Climate Superfund Act is our real chance to rebuild New Jersey—union jobs, resilient infrastructure upgrades, grid modernization—without burdening everyday working people or ratepayers,” said Ben Dziobek, Executive Director of the Climate Revolution Action Network. “Young people have coalesced a broad coalition: labor, advocacy groups, and even most of Speaker Coughlin’s own colleagues support this. It's time Trenton fights for young people and everyday New Jerseyans to ‘Stay in NJ’ by Making Polluters Pay.”

“I am proud to sponsor New Jersey’s Climate Superfund Act and to help organize this necessary strike because it is high time we shift the burden from taxpayers and the state to the biggest corporate polluters,” said NJ Assemblyman John Allen (D-32), Climate Superfund Act prime sponsor (Assembly). 

“New Jersey residents continue to be threatened by larger and more frequent storms due to climate change. The devastating flooding we have seen in recent weeks is unfortunately just the beginning if the status quo remains,” said NJ Senator John McKeon (D-27), Climate Superfund Act prime sponsor (Senate). “We are fighting to pass the Climate Superfund Act because we know what’s right. We know that the fossil fuel companies that have polluted our communities for decades should be the ones responsible for footing the bill to clean it up.”

”Flooding, heatwaves, wildfires, and deaths driven by the climate crisis are increasing in frequency, intensity, and cost across New Jersey. Speakers called on holdouts to act with urgency as federal plans to phase out FEMA, eliminate BRIC grants, deregulate the EPA, reverse its endangerment findings, and eliminate clean energy tax credits and incentives under the BBB threaten NJ’s access to critical funding.

The CSA would enable NJ to afford climate change adaptation, build resilient infrastructure and communities, and recover from crises without added costs to taxpayers. Two in three NJ voters support the Climate Superfund Act, are more likely to vote for state legislators who back it, and are less likely to vote for those who block it. Support also extends to Republican voters, nearly half of whom agree. 

To date, a CRAN digital campaign has generated over 1.2 million letters to elected officials from concerned citizens, urging the CSA’s passage. *46 NJ municipalities have passed resolutions supporting the Climate Superfund Act. A coalition of **35 state, regional, and national entities co-sponsored the strike. ***20 legislator supporters included Members of Congress (MOC), Mayors, County Executives and Commissioners, Councilpersons, Assembly Members, and State Senators (including the Majority Whip).

Precedent has already been established for Climate Superfund laws in the U.S. In 2024, Vermont became the first state to pass one. In January of 2025, New York state followed. In addition to NJ, California, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island are considering adopting similar measures. 

At the federal level, the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act was introduced in February of this year. Sponsored by Representatives Jerry Nadler (D-NY) and Judy Chu (D-CA), the bill was co-sponsored by 17 additional MOC, including New Jersey Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (C.D. 12). 

Legislator Supporters

“The impacts of climate change are here. The consequences of polluters releasing carbon dioxide into our atmosphere can be seen across the state. From flooding in North Jersey, powerful thunderstorms in Central Jersey and tornadoes in South Jersey, we are seeing what happens when we allow polluters to write our environmental policy” said NJ Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (C.D. 12). “As a proud co-sponsor of the Federal Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act, I fully support passage of the NJ Climate Superfund Act, and appreciate the young people at CRAN for leading this charge.”

"Hoboken is proud to host CRAN’s climate strike because we know the devastating impacts of climate change firsthand. Superstorm Sandy alone caused more than $110 million in private and public property damage, and taxpayers should not be left to shoulder the costs of this destruction," said Ravi S. Bhalla, Mayor, City of Hoboken. "While we have made significant investments in flood-mitigating infrastructure, we cannot and should not bear this burden alone. That is why Hoboken was one of the first municipalities in New Jersey to pass a resolution in support of the Climate Superfund Act and why the legislature must take action now, not after the next storm hits."

“As Mayor of Newark, I’ve seen firsthand the devastation that climate change and environmental neglect bring to our communities. Right now, millions of dollars meant to protect cities across New Jersey are being ripped away by the Trump administration, leaving us more vulnerable to the next disaster,” said Ras J. Baraka, Mayor, City of Newark. “We cannot afford more delays. Speaker Coughlin must allow the Climate Superfund Act to move forward so New Jersey can hold corporate polluters accountable and invest in the infrastructure our residents desperately need. This bill is about Making Polluters Pay for an affordable future — and I stand with the youth, labor, and advocates demanding its passage.”  

“Sea level at the Jersey Shore is rising faster than the global average. If we love our boardwalks, small businesses, and coastal communities, we must future-proof them now,” said Senate Majority Whip Vin Gopal (NJ-11), Climate Superfund Act Co-Sponsor (Senate). “These conditions are placing an outsized burden on our shore communities, with rising premiums and dwindling access to homeowners' insurance. The Climate Superfund will make the polluters pay instead of our homeowners. The climate clock is in the red zone, and every day we wait, the bill grows and the damage deepens.”

“For years, New Jersey has suffered as a result of the careless actions of large corporate polluters,” said Senator Linda Greenstein (D-14), Climate Superfund Act Co-Sponsor (Senate). “The Climate Superfund Act will hold big fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in causing the increasingly damaging effects of climate change. From devastating heatwaves to more severe storms, it is clear that our communities will need more funding to mitigate the impact of these disasters in the future. The polluters causing the damage should be the ones to pay for it.”

“When the federal government rolls over for corporate polluters and the fossil fuel industry, it’s up to states like New Jersey to stand up for the environmental protections we deserve,” said Senator Andrew Zwicker (NJ-16), Climate Superfund Act Co-Sponsor (Senate). “By making polluters pay for disaster relief, infrastructure repairs, and flood protection, we’re making NJ more resilient to climate change while holding accountable the corporations causing it.” 

“Black and Brown communities are the hardest hit when it comes to the impact and costs of climate change,” said Senator Angela McKnight (NJ-31), Climate Superfund Act Co-Sponsor (Senate). “Enough is enough. New York has already acted – billions every year dedicated to adaptation. The Climate Superfund Act is common sense cost recovery, and it’s long overdue.”

“Inaction will drown our budgets even before it drowns our streets,” said Senator Raj Mukherji (NJ-32), Climate Superfund Act Co-Sponsor (Senate). “New Jersey already passed the Spill Act to force polluters—not vulnerable residents—to clean up their toxic messes. Big Oil and Gas spent decades knowingly fueling and denying the climate crisis while raking in record profits. We must enact the Climate Superfund Act, now, to ensure they pay for billions in damages that THEY caused and finance critical adaptation projects New Jersey desperately needs.”

“Gen-Z, your voices need to be heard loud and clear. Do not slow down, do not stop for anybody,” said Senator Benjie E. Wimberly (NJ-35), Climate Superfund Act Co-Sponsor (Senate). “We have to step up as legislators and leaders, and at the end of the day, we have to make sure that we make them pay!”

“The cost of protecting New Jersey from the impacts of climate change is enormous and only growing,” said Senator Joe Lagana (NJ-38), Climate Superfund Act Co-Sponsor (Senate). “This legislation ensures that fossil fuel polluters, not taxpayers, bear the responsibility for the damage they have caused.”

“I am proud to support the Climate Superfund Act because it holds polluters accountable and provides critical funding to strengthen our communities,” said Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato (LD 31). “This bill will protect frontline families, create good-paying jobs, and ensure New Jersey is prepared for the climate challenges ahead. It’s a necessary step toward a safer and more resilient future for all.”

“As both an Assemblywoman and an attorney, I know that responsibility and justice go hand in hand. The Climate Superfund Act is about more than protecting New Jersey’s environment—it’s about ensuring that those who have knowingly contributed to the climate crisis are held legally and financially accountable,” said Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez (LD 32), Climate Superfund Act Co-Sponsor (Assembly). “Just as we seek justice in the courtroom, this bill seeks justice for our communities by requiring polluters to pay for the damages they’ve caused. It’s a principled, enforceable way to safeguard our state’s future while upholding the rule of law.”

"I’m proud to stand with the Climate Revolution Action Network and all the advocates fighting for the Climate Superfund Act,” said Assemblyman Michael Venezia (LD 34), Climate Superfund Act Co-Sponsor (Assembly). “This legislation ensures the biggest polluters—not New Jersey’s families—pay to clean up the damage they’ve caused. Together, we can protect our environment, our health, and our future."  

“I strongly support the Climate Superfund Act because, for too long, corporate polluters have profited while New Jerseyans paid the price in floods, toxic air, and contaminated water,” said Assemblywoman Shama Haider (LD 37), Climate Superfund Act Co-Sponsor (Assembly). “This legislation ensures corporate polluters finally pay their fair share to clean up the mess they created in NJ, and I am proud to stand with the advocates fighting to get it passed.”

“Climate change is here, and we’re already paying for it. Ask anyone in Jersey City or Hoboken and you’ll hear horror stories about flooded homes, flooded cars, and how much it costs to pick up the pieces,” said Katie Brennan, Jersey City Advocate and Democratic Assembly Nominee (LD 32). “The people of New Jersey didn’t cause rising sea levels or extreme flooding; corporate polluters did, so why should we have to pay to clean up their mess? The Climate Superfund Act is about basic fairness. Fossil fuel companies made billions in profits at all of our expense. Now it’s time for them to pay up.” 

"I am proud to stand with Assemblyman Allen in support of the Climate Superfund Act. Polluters must be held accountable for the environmental damage done to our communities,” said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. “This common-sense bill will help Hudson County fight the harmful effects of climate change and ensure a clean, healthy environment for future generations." 

“My 16-year-old son asked me where I was going today. I talked to him about the significance of the Climate Superfund legislation, what it meant, and shared a story about his grandfather, who spent 53 years as a Montclair public school teacher and was part of a coalition of young people that helped integrate Montclair. I made the point that young people have always changed the course of history,” said Brendan Gill, Essex County Commissioner. “It’s true that we passed the first resolution in support of the Climate Superfund Act here. But that’s the bare minimum for legislators; we don’t get a pat on the back. What’s going to make the difference is the young people who put this coalition together and will ensure this bill is passed into law, not just for today but for future generations to come.”

Union Representatives:

“New Jersey turns to building service workers when homes and businesses are devastated by the impacts of extreme weather,” said Ana Maria Hill, New Jersey State Director and Vice President of 32BJ SEIU. “As the largest union of property service workers in the nation, we know firsthand what we’re up against. New Jersey must pass the Climate Superfund Act!”

“We are running out of time to take meaningful action on climate. New Jersey is experiencing deadly floods, heat waves, and wildfires, all while the fossil fuel companies directly responsible for this crisis continue to profit,” said Tonya Hodges, Area Director of Communication Workers of America (CWA) District 1 New Jersey. “Climate recovery efforts cannot be funded on the backs of hard-working New Jerseyans, who are already being squeezed by rising healthcare and housing costs. Instead, we must make polluters pay for the damage they have caused and pass the Climate Superfund Act now.”

“Hoboken’s municipal workers are on the frontlines of responding to climate-change driven emergencies: sinkholes, flood-damaged streets, infrastructure failures, backed up sewers, storm debris cleanup, and restoring public services after extreme weather events,” said Daniel Drobnis, President AFCSME Local 3703. “This essential work comes at a personal and financial cost. Overtime shifts pull workers away from their families, delay the everyday services and preventative maintenance residents rely on, and stretch Hoboken’s budget thin. The Climate Superfund Act will make Big Oil—not taxpayers—cover the damage they caused and help fund the resilient future our communities deserve." 

“Our members live and work in the communities hardest hit by environmental pollution. A Climate Superfund isn’t just about accountability— it’s a model to raise revenue by making the wealthiest corporations pay their fair share to rebuild, protect, and strengthen our neighborhoods,” said Jason Ajiake, Political Director 1199 SEIU-UHWE

Political Parties & Action Committees

“For too long, working families in New Jersey have borne the cost of unchecked greed from fossil company CEOs in the form of severe storms, scorching heat waves, and dirty air that impacts children with asthma and seniors with heart disease,” said Antoinette Miles, State Director of New Jersey Working Families Party. “It’s now time for polluters to pay so that we can build a stronger and more resilient New Jersey for working families and communities of color on the front lines of climate change.”

"Until polluting isn't profitable, corporations aren't going to have any incentive to stop. Fossil fuel companies enjoy the profit from destroying the environment without shouldering any of the financial burden put on taxpayers. Legislators need to pass the Climate Superfund Act and make The Garden State a leader in green policy," said Michelle Guengue, Executive Committee of North NJ DSA.

"This summer, like those in recent memory, has come with so much destruction due to the effects of climate change,” said Molly Cleary, Environmental Advocate at Clean Water Action. “New Jersey, being one of the most climate-vulnerable states, is in desperate need of the essential Climate Superfund Act. Clean Water Action is proud to support both this bill and our allies at this Climate Strike."

“Environmental justice is a moral imperative, and as Muslims, we are called to protect the Earth and stand with the oppressed,” said Ali Aljarrah, State Lead for CAIR Action NJ. “Our faith teaches that the Earth is a sacred trust and that injustice—whether through pollution, displacement, or exploitation—must be challenged. For too long, powerful interests have profited while vulnerable communities carry the burden. This legislation is a necessary step toward accountability, dignity, and the right to live free from harm—here in New Jersey and in places where justice is too often denied.”

“For too long, taxpayers have borne the cost of extreme climate events such as floods, heat waves, and wildfires. Big corporate climate polluters caused these issues, and they should have to pay for mitigation measures and recovery efforts. The Climate Superfund Act would allow the State of New Jersey to hold these companies liable, make polluters pay, and free up the taxpayer dollars currently dedicated to addressing extreme climate events," said Nedia Morsy, State Director of Make the Road Action New Jersey. “We need this bill, and we need it now. I am calling on the New Jersey State Legislature to pass the Climate Superfund Act before the end of this legislative session.”

“We're here to demand that the Climate Superfund Bill be sent to Governor Murphy for signature. For decades, big oil and gas CEOs knew their pollution was driving climate change, harming our communities. Instead of changing course, they left us all to face–and pay the price for–flooded homes, destroyed businesses, and dangerous heat,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters (LCV). “The Climate Superfund Act will finally hold these corporate polluters accountable and make them pay for the damage they’ve caused, instead of sending the bill to hardworking New Jersey families. It’s time we put people and our planet before polluters’ profits.”  

“New Jersey communities are being slammed by flooding, extreme heat, and storm damage, while fossil fuel companies rake in record profits,” said Matt Smith, New Jersey State Director at Food & Water Action. “The Climate Superfund Act is a bold step toward fairness, making the worst corporate polluters pay for the harm they’ve caused to our homes, health, and infrastructure. As fossil fuel allies in Washington gut climate protections, it’s up to New Jersey lawmakers to lead the way.”

“This summer alone, New Jerseyans have been slammed with flooding storm after storm and are now left to pump out basements and clean up the mess created by Big Oil and Gas. New Jersey must pass the Climate Superfund Act before the end of this legislative session to hold these corporate polluters accountable to foot the bill for climate damages,” said Anjuli Ramos-Busot, Director of the NJ Sierra Club. “Today it is clearer than ever that elected officials, labor unions, nonprofits across environmental, justice, and housing sectors, and youth are aligned on this bill and getting it across the finish line so no one is left wondering if they can afford to rebuild after the next storm.

“Climate change disproportionately impacts Latino communities, resulting in economic, health, and social costs as Latinos are more likely to live in areas prone to extreme weather events, face job losses in climate-sensitive sectors, and experience higher healthcare costs related to heat exposure,” said Javier Robles, President Latino Action Network. “It is high time that big oil companies pay for the cost of climate change instead of hard-working New Jersey taxpayers”.

"New Jersey GreenFaith proclaims that fiercely protecting the Earth, our neighbors, and future generations is a sacred and moral duty, and that justice for the poor and vulnerable is at the heart of all faith traditions,” said Tracey Stephens, NJ Organizer at GreenFaith. “On behalf of our more than 900 members, we strongly call on the New Jersey legislature to demand that the fossil fuel industry take responsibility for the extensive climate chaos and damage they have created, to repair the harm they have caused, and to mitigate against future harms."

Citizen Advocates and Youth Leaders 

“Superstorm Sandy was quite literally a wake-up call. I opened my eyes to discover knee-deep flooding in the home my late husband bought in the 1970s, where I had raised my son, who lived with me and lost all of his earthly possessions,” said Liz Cohen Ndoye, Hoboken Homeowner and Superstorm Sandy Survivor. “The immediate aftermath of Sandy was like living in a war zone. The National Guard trucked in food and medical supplies. Heat and hot water were unavailable. The recovery costs crushed our community. I personally spent tens of thousands of dollars waterproofing, installing sump pumps, and replacing flooring. FEMA provided minimal support for roof repair. Neighbors with flood insurance regretted it, because ‘acts of God’ weren’t covered. But let’s be clear– extreme weather driven by the climate crisis is an act of fossil fuel companies. Now they owe us, and all of NJ, a Climate Superfund to clean up their messes.”

“Young people from New York to New Jersey understand the urgency of acting on the climate crisis,” said Lena Goings, Member of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change and Fridays For Future NYC core organizer (17 years old). “We are joining CRAN for a die-in. Lives are at stake every day that lawmakers delay.”
“Families across New Jersey are suffering the cost of climate disasters while fossil fuel companies continue to profit,” said Cassidy DiPaola, spokesperson for Make Polluters Pay. “The Climate Superfund Act is a chance to shift the burden off taxpayers and onto the corporations that caused the damage. We can’t wait for the federal government to save us because we know they won’t. Lawmakers in Trenton need to step up and pass this bill now.” 

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About Climate Revolution Action Network (CRAN)

Founded in 2024, CRAN is an emerging climate action, education, training, and advocacy nonprofit with 10,000 Gen-Z members statewide. Followed by over 45k across social platforms, the grassroots organization consistently generates 1.5 million+ monthly content views. To date, they’ve registered 862 people to vote, and trained over 3K NJ youth in climate action across high schools, college campuses, and community events. 

About NJ Assemblyman John Allen (NJ-32)

John Allen is a New Jersey Assemblyman representing the 32nd District, which includes  Hoboken and parts of Jersey City. A former chief of staff to Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and assistant corporation counsel, he led efforts to secure the Union Dry Dock site for open space and helped secure $176 million for Hoboken Terminal’s redevelopment. John began his public service at 21 years old as the President of the Board of Education in Old Bridge, NJ. He is a graduate of Rutgers Law School and is recognized as a New Leader of the Bar by the esteemed New Jersey Law Journal.

FOOTNOTES

*Municipal Resolutions: Aberdeen, Asbury Park, Atlantic Highlands, Bloomfield, Bogota, Edgewater, Edison, Ewing, Fort Lee, Franklin Township, Garwood, Hackensack, Haddon Township, Highland Park, Highlands, Hoboken, Jersey City, Leonia, Livingston, Long Branch, Lyndhurst, Madison, Maple Shade, Maplewood, Matawan, Millburn, Monroe, Montclair, Morristown, National Park, North Brunswick, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Princeton, Rahway, Red Bank, Ridgefield, Rochelle Park, Rutherford, South Orange, Springfield, Swedesboro, Teaneck, Tenafly, Teterboro, Weehawken, Woolwich

**Coalition Members: 1199 New Jersey; 32 BJ SEIU; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3703; Black Lives Matter Patterson; Camden for Clean Air; Climate Reality Project; Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Action NJ; Cease Fire Now NJ; City of Hoboken; Clean Water Action; Communications Workers of America (CWA) District 1, Divest New Jersey; Environment NJ; Food & Water Watch; Fridays for Future NYC; GreenFaith; Hoboken Tenants United; Hudson County Young Dems; Latino Action Network; League of Conservation Voters; Make The Road (MTR) Action NJ; Make Polluters Pay (Fossil Free Media); New Jersey Black Empower Coalition; New Jersey Citizen Action (NJCA); New Jersey Progressive Energy Equity Coalition (NJPEEC); New Jersey Working Families Party; NJ Peace Action; North NJ Democratic Socialists of America (DSA); Our Revolution New Jersey; Rutgers American Association of University Professors (AAUP-AFT); Sierra Club, SOMA Action; Th!rd Act;  and Union of Rutgers Administrations (URA/AFT).

***Legislator Supporters: See graphic

BACKGROUND/TIMELINE 

Nationwide, momentum to Make Polluters Pay is growing. Two in three voters agree that the fossil fuel industry knew emissions were altering the climate, misled the public, and should pay a share of damages. Despite this, the Trump Administration is systematically dismantling legislation, programs, and agencies that proactively and reactively address the climate crisis. International rulings are at odds with U.S. policy.

March, the administration announced it would terminate the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program (BRIC) & grants. 

• July, 20 states filed a lawsuit in response.

• August, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction.

April, Executive Order (EO) “Protecting American Energy from State Overreach” issued. Attorney General instructed to ID state laws “to address climate change,” and take action to prevent their enforcement.

June, Plans to phase out FEMA after hurricane season were announced in an Oval Office address.

July, H.R.1, the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025,’ was passed by the GOP and signed into law. Tax credits for electric vehicles, solar, and wind power were eliminated, fuel efficiency standards were gutted, and provisions were included allowing polluters to pay a fee and bypass environmental review. 

July 31, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposal to revoke its landmark 2009 “endangerment” finding, which established that greenhouse gas emissions harm people and the planet.

July 23, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a landmark advisory opinion that all nations are obligated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent significant harm to the environment, climate system, and citizens that would result from the adverse effects of climate change under human rights law.