New Jersey Leads Legal Efforts to Defend Federal Clean Air and Water Protections
TRENTON, NJ — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Friday that New Jersey is taking legal action to defend critical federal environmental protections threatened by the incoming Trump administration.
The state is joining multiple legal efforts aimed at safeguarding clean air and drinking water standards.
In one case, New Jersey, alongside California and Connecticut, filed an amicus brief on behalf of 18 states supporting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Final Rule that establishes nationwide drinking water standards for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.”
In a second action, New Jersey and nine other states filed a motion to intervene in defense of an EPA Final Rule that strengthens lead standards in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
The third case involves New Jersey joining a coalition of states and local governments to defend California’s Clean Air Act waiver, which allows the state to enforce stricter vehicle emissions standards to combat climate change. This waiver also enables states like New Jersey to adopt similar regulations.
“New Jerseyans don’t want commonsense environmental regulations overturned in favor of industry at the expense of their families,” Attorney General Platkin said. “The evidence is clear that clean air and water are key to improved health outcomes.”
State Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette reaffirmed the state’s commitment to environmental protection, stating that New Jersey will continue to lead in improving air and water quality, regardless of federal policy shifts.
