Dear neighbor:
As New Jersey deals with this intense heatwave, it's a stark reminder of how urgent it is to tackle climate change head-on. We’ve made progress since passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which hands down is the most impactful climate bill in US history.
This game-changing bill, signed by President Biden in 2022, is expected to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by up to 1 billion tons by 2030. Importantly, the legislation includes tax credits to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption, which can help lower electricity rates by as much as 9% by 2030, providing significant savings for New Jersey residents.
I will never stop fighting to preserve our planet.
KEEPING NEW JERSEY'S BEACHES CLEAN
Yesterday, in Bradley Beach, NJ, I announced $258,000 in new BEACH Act grant funding to bolster water quality monitoring efforts at New Jersey's shore beaches. Joined by EPA Regional Administrator Lisa Garcia, Bradley Beach Mayor Larry Fox, New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn LaTourrette, and other community leaders, we emphasized the importance of ensuring safe and clean recreational spaces for all beachgoers.
The BEACH Act of 2024, which I introduced earlier this year, would ensure these types of investments continue into the future. My bill would reauthorize and enhance this vital grant program. I am working across the aisle to get it to the President’s desk as soon as possible!
AMTRAK SERVICE DISRUPTIONS
I'm extremely frustrated with the recent Amtrak delays. The disruptions we've seen are just not acceptable. Our district has been hit hard with service suspensions and delays due to overhead wire problems and extreme heat, causing chaos for thousands of commuters.
I've been pushing hard for better coordination and quicker solutions to prevent these issues. I sent a letter to Amtrak on May 24 demanding answers after an electrical malfunction left commuters stranded. Their response on June 10 acknowledged the problems but didn't offer concrete fixes. You can read my full letter here. I will keep push for reliable public transportation that our community deserves.
SUPREME COURT STRIKES DOWN BUMP STOCK BAN
As we observe Gun Violence Prevention Month, I am disheartened by the Supreme Court’s recent ruling invalidating a ban on bump stocks, which allow semi-automatic weapons to fire at nearly the rate of automatic weapons. In 2017, the Las Vegas shooter used bump stocks to increase his firing rate, resulting in the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. This Supreme Court decision effectively makes bump stocks legal again, undoing efforts to control rapid-fire capabilities in firearms and posing potential risks to public safety. I will continue to push for laws that protect our communities from the devastating impact of gun violence.
REPUBLICANS ATTACKING REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM, AGAIN.
Last week, the Supreme Court unanimously decided to keep mifepristone available as a safe medication. While that is good news in the short term, this case shouldn't have ever reached the Supreme Court. We must stay vigilant against further attacks on reproductive freedom and work to restore Roe v. Wade by passing the Women’s Health Protection Act.
Click here to visit my website or call my offices directly if you have questions or need help with a federal agency:
Middlesex County: 732-249-8892
Monmouth County: 732-571-1140
Sincerely,
Congressman Pallone
