Dear Neighbors,

I was in Long Branch this week to celebrate the historic climate achievements in the Inflation Reduction Act. This legislation makes unparalleled investments in climate action, clean energy, and environmental justice, all while creating new, homegrown clean energy jobs and lowering energy costs for American families.

Crucially, the bill will slash our nation’s climate pollution by 40 percent by the end of this decade – putting our country on track to meet our climate goals. The new law is the single-largest investment in climate action in American history and includes key climate provisions that I authored and advanced through my Energy and Commerce Committee.

The bill also includes funding for living shoreline projects to protect coastal communities like the ones along the Jersey Shore. Living shoreline infrastructure projects use natural materials and systems, including dunes, wetlands, and oyster reefs to support the natural flood resilience of healthy shoreline ecosystems. Natural infrastructure is cost-effective and adaptable to changing environmental conditions. It enhances ecosystem functions which can improve water quality and wildlife habitat protection.

The Inflation Reduction Act also reinstates the Superfund tax on oil companies, which is expected to raise $11.7 billion. I’ve long advocated for reinstating the tax on these companies to ensure polluters, not taxpayers, foot the bill for cleaning up waste and pollution. This legislation lays the foundation for a cleaner, more prosperous future for us all. Read more here.

Beach Replenishment in Elberon

I announced this week that the Army Corps of Engineers will begin beach replenishment this fall in Elberon. The Army Corps may also exercise an option from Takanassee Lake north to Cedar Avenue in West End. There is also an additional option in Monmouth Beach from Central Road south to Valentine Street. Beach replenishment is critical to our beaches and communities along the Jersey Shore. Coastal restoration projects like beach replenishment ensure that our beaches and infrastructure remain resilient to bad weather events. The federal funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I helped to pass into law last year. This is an important project for our state that will make sure our beautiful beaches will remain safe and enjoyable for residents and tourists for years to come. Read more here.

Student Loan Forgiveness

President Biden made a big announcement last week on student loans. If your income is under $125,000 for individuals or is under $250,000 for married people or heads of households, you will be eligible for up to $10,000 in forgiveness of your federal student loans. If you received a Pell grant or a partial Pell grant, you are eligible for up to $20,000 in forgiveness. This includes any loans taken out before July 31, 2022. For more information, visit studentaid.gov or click here to view a fact sheet with more details.

If you have questions about resources available to New Jerseyans related to COVID-19, click here to visit my website or call my offices directly:

Middlesex County: 732-249-8892

Monmouth County: 732-571-1140

Sincerely,