Conservative Principles Now

Citing a string of broken promises from Gov. Jon Corzine, New Jersey's largest environmental group today backed former U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie for Governor - the first time the organization has endorsed a statewide Republican since its inception. Members of the political arm of the New Jersey Environmental Federation - which endorsed Corzine in 2005 -- said they were "hugely disappointed" by Corzine's first term environmental record.  They specifically mentioned his lack of action in working to create more cooling towers for nuclear plants, a drop off in waterway protection, lack of a commitment to environmental justice and failing to takes sides on a proposed coal plant in Linden. "We expect our political leaders to take on our environmental issues and problems and provide good solutions that are in the best interest of the environment," said Sharon Finlayson, who chairs the NJEF's five-member Vote Environment Committee.  "When that fails it is time for change.  We believe that the change we see will be found in Chris Christie." The state's three major environmental groups have all snubbed Corzine this year.  The New Jersey chapter of the Sierra Club went for independent Chris Daggett, a former Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) commissioner and regional EPA administrator.  The other major group, Environment New Jersey, opted not to endorse anyone.   The NJEF's leaders said they were won over by Christie's opposition to deepening the Delaware River; his promise to restore the DEP's Division of Science and Research, which was eliminated under Corzine; his support for retrofitting diesel engines used under state contracts; stop the "fish slaughter" from cooling systems at Salem and Oyster Creek and his stated opposition to the Linden coal plant.  "We've been hugely disappointed [in Corzine]" said Ben Forest, a member of the committee that voted to endorse Christie.  "A lot of environmental promises and he failed to effectively lead. On many levels, I am sorry I cannot support his re-election."

Tags: Broken Promises, Coal Plant, Delaware River, Department Of Environmental Protection, Diesel Engines, Environment Committee, Environmental Federation, Environmental Record, Gov Jon Corzine, Group Environment, Jon Corzine, Member Vote, New Jersey Environmental, Nuclear Plants, Oyster Creek, Political Arm, Regional Epa, Sierra Club, State Contracts, Vote Environment