Statement by Lena Smith, Food & Water Watch organizer:

“People concerned about the future of the planet took bold action today to disrupt a process that violates the very mission of the Pinelands Commission. Today’s vote is just the latest in a series illegitimate actions taken by Governor Christie and endorsed by politicians like Democratic leader Steve Sweeney. They have meddled in this process to serve corporate interests and their friends in the oil and gas industries.

“Those of us who firmly reject the Trump administration’s war on the environment consider the fracked gas pipelines in the Pinelands to be part of the White House’s dangerous agenda. We must immediately embrace clean energy as our best chance to create long-term, high-quality jobs while taking action against climate change chaos.

“We hope the next governor will be someone who respects the established rules of the Pinelands Commission, and works to challenge today’s disastrous vote.”

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