Top environmental group backs Payne for re-election

Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund has endorsed Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark) for re-election in New Jersey’s 10th district and credited the Newark congressman with securing funding for climate resistant infrastructure.

“Representative Payne has been a climate champion in Congress and a strong advocate for a clean energy future,” said Kevin Curtis, the executive director of the NRDC Action Fund. “His work securing funding for climate resilient infrastructure and prioritizing green jobs in his district is important, and we look forward to continuing to work with Representative Payne to fight for climate justice in the years to come.”

Payne has also been endorsed by the Sierra Club in the upcoming June 7 Democratic primary against two challengers, Essex County College sociology professor Akil Khalfani and mountebank candidate Imani Oakley.  Oakley has failed to win support from any of her short-term employers: U.S. Senator Cory Booker, Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake (D-East Orange), and the New Jersey Working Families Party.

Over the last two years, Payne led a successful push in the House to prioritize funding for the replacement of lead pipes that affect safe drinking water across the U.S.

“The NRDC has been an incredible leader in the fight to protect our natural resources and advocate for effective climate policy,” Payne said.  “I will never stop fighting for safe drinking water for all and will always defend vital environmental protection laws like the Clean Air Act from Republican attacks.”