Washington, DC– Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement on the defense budget that creates jobs and combats the climate security threat:
"The United States has always been the country that boldly leads the world into the future and this year's NDAA will continue to do exactly that by investing in American jobs, reducing our emissions, and protecting our environment. The US military employs 1.3 million Americans, with nearly 10,000 in New Jersey, and the NDAA is a critical piece of legislation that translates into economic benefits across the country. I'm very pleased to report that this bill specifically provides robust investments in Picatinny Arsenal, which brings well over $1 billion into the economy of New Jersey every year.
"Climate change is an urgent threat to our national security, contributing to increased natural disasters, refugee flows, and conflicts over basic resources, such as water and land. We have already seen its impacts on our military readiness. In North Jersey, we have seen rising sea levels, higher storm surge, and increased erosion that can damage or destroy critical infrastructure.
"With the FY2023 budget, the Department of Defense will be able to prioritize climate change considerations as officials work to mitigate the impact and to take steps to reduce the Department's emissions. For example, the bill creates a program that would work to develop sustainable, renewable aviation fuel. It is an excellent example of the strides we can make for our environment when we work together to strategically address our national security interests.
"Among other key components, this bill includes provisions directing the Secretary of Defense to take tangible steps to reduce our reliance on Russian energy by bolstering our domestic clean energy production – including a plan to eliminate the military's use of Russia-generated energy entirely. The bill contains millions of dollars to end the use of toxic PFAS chemicals and mitigate the damage they've done, including research on how to destroy these ‘forever chemicals' and prevent further exposures for NJ families.
"This bill is an investment in America that will create good-paying jobs, strengthen our environmental security, and position the United States to lead. It also increases pay for our servicemembers to ensure we maintain our ability to recruit and train the most professional and capable military in the world. I was proud to vote in support of this amendment."
Original source can be found here.
