FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 3, 2019

Washington D.C. – Senator Cory Booker has launched his 2020 climate plan, which focuses on tackling environmental and economic injustice and ongoing fossil fuel pollution in cities like Newark. Senator Booker’s plan promises swift climate action on multiple issues, including a U.S. Environmental Justice Fund to undertake a massive cleanup of polluted sites across the country, and revoking permits for the Dakota Access and Keystone XL pipelines. 

Senator Booker’s plan comes on the same day as Senator Klobuchar, but is more ambitious with the scale of action we need, in order to protect communities from relentless climate impacts. His plan looks to put “people over polluters” is straightforward climate plan, aiming to make immediate and lasting impacts on the lives of those most impacted by climate change. It embraces the power of the executive office, laying out specific actions his administration could move forward without Congressional approval. These range from massively growing the EPA to ending fossil fuel leases on public lands and off shores to ensuring that all new infrastructure projects prioritize contracting with local and minority-owned small businesses.

350 Action’s Director Tamara Toles O’ Laughlin said, in response to the plan: 

“As Hurricane Dorian bears down on coastal communities in the South, it is urgent that Presidential candidates respond to the climate crisis with bold leadership. Senator Booker’s plan connects the dots between economic inequity, environmental justice, and the need for a just transition. Unlike plans that have put an over-emphasis on climate innovation instead of community-based solutions, Senator Booker’s climate plan combines ambitious energy transition timelines with clear proposals to improve the health and wellbeing of communities bearing the brunt of environmental impacts today.  

“There’s a lot to love about this plan, from the Environmental Justice Fund, to the rapid investments in clean energy, to the promise of immediate action on stopping new leasing on public lands and waters. We were left wanting more details on how a Booker administration would hold fossil fuel billionaires accountable for their decades of misleading the public while destroying the climate.  

“Overall, Senator Booker’s plan is detailed, thoughtful, and well-researched. This plan would set any President up well to take meaningful action on climate change and human health within their first weeks in office. We look forward to hearing the candidate solidify his climate leadership in the months to come.”

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Press Contact: Monica Mohapatra, U.S. Communications Specialist, [email protected]