May 27, 2010
  | COYLE & CHIUSANO WANT LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON HOW FEDERAL OFFICIALS WILL PROTECT N.J. FROM OIL SPILL |
Assemblywoman Denise Coyle and Assemblyman Gary Chiusano, requested today a joint legislative hearing between the Assembly Environment & Solid Waste and Tourism and Arts committees to learn about the federal government's plans to make sure New Jersey isn't affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
"The recent environmental disaster in the Gulf Coast has the potential to float oil to the Jersey Shore, which would be awful for our state," they wrote. "New Jersey is depending on a robust tourism season to help our economic recovery. Our state's tourism businesses cannot withstand a serious environmental disaster like the one this oil spill could cause.
Coyle, a member of the Environment committee, and Chiusano, a member of the Tourism committee, sent letters to each committee's chairman, Assemblyman John F. McKeon and Assemblyman Matthew W. Milam, requesting a hearing with federal Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson as well as any other federal official.
"Administrator Jackson's grasp of environmental issues, and her knowledge of her home state, put her in unique position to testify on the steps the Obama administration is taking to ensure New Jersey will not be affected by the environmental disaster in the Gulf..." they wrote. "Our businesses, residents and tourists need to be certain that Washington is protecting New Jersey's coast ."
A copy of the letter is attached.
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Dear Assemblymen McKeon and Milam:
As members of the Assembly Environment and Tourism committees, we all share concern for the tourism economy and environment of the Jersey Shore. As you know, the recent environmental disaster in the Gulf Coast has the potential to float oil to the Jersey Shore, which would be awful for our state.
New Jersey is depending on a robust tourism season to help our economic recovery. Our state's tourism businesses cannot withstand a serious environmental disaster like the one this oil spill could cause.
These businesses, our coastal residents and those planning on enjoying their summer vacation at the Jersey Shore are very concerned. They deserve assurance that oil from the Gulf won't reach our waters and their communities.
We're certain that you, as leaders of the Environment and Tourism committees, share their concerns and we request that you hold a joint hearing on the matter between both committees with Federal Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson.
Administrator Jackson's grasp of environmental issues, and her knowledge of her home state, put her in unique position to testify on the steps the Obama administration is taking to ensure New Jersey will not be affected by the environmental disaster in the Gulf. We would also support inviting any other federal official who you think would offer valuable contributions to this hearing.
Our businesses, residents and tourists need to be certain that Washington is protecting New Jersey's coast and we look forward to working with both of you on this important issue facing New Jersey.
While we all hope New Jersey has a wonderful, clean and profitable summer season, it is imperative we act now so we are not unprepared for any unfortunate situation.
We are more than willing to help facilitate this joint hearing. Please call us at our district offices (908) 218-4059 or (973) 300-0200 to discuss this matter further or to begin planning this important hearing.
Sincerely:
Assemblywoman Denise M. Coyle
Assemblyman Gary R. Chiusano
