Citing his support of clean water and open space protection, the nation’s largest grassroots environmental organization has endorsed Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff) for re-election in New Jersey’s 5th district.
“I am honored to receive the support of the Sierra Club and its millions of members who are committed to protecting our environment for our children and grandchildren,” Gottheimer said.
Gottheimer faces Republican Frank Pallotta, a former investment banker from Ramsey, in the November general election.
“It’s important that as Americans we work together to stop climate change, keep our air and drinking water safe for our children, preserve our natural resources, protect open spaces and wildlife, invest in long-term clean energy solutions, and combat illegal dumping, said Gottheimer, a three-term congressman from Bergen County. “I’m proud of my record on these issues, and I’ll continue fighting aggressively for practical, achievable, and bipartisan solutions to protect our planet and the health and safety of our families for generations to come.”
The Sierra Club endorsed Gottheimer in his first congressional run in 2016, when he ousted seven-term Rep. Scott Garrett (R-Wantage). The backed him again 2018 and 2020.
This year’s endorsement comes despite a 2021 warning issued by the Sierra Club to Gottheimer and eight other House Democrats to become engaged on climate control and social issues. That came at a time when Gottheimer, as chairman of the House Problem Solvers Caucus, was under pressure to accept a larger spending bill than he was willing to accept.
Gottheimer helped claw back federal funds to protect North Jersey’s lakes to address Harmful Algal Blooms that have impacted local recreation and businesses by getting funding included in the American Rescue Plan, his campaign said.
He also helped pass the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill that included funds to replace lead pipes that harmed drinking water supplies, and for electric vehicle infrastructure.
The Sierra Club, founded in 1892, has over 3.8 million members and about 20,000 members in New Jersey.