For Immediate Release, January 25, 2022
Contact: Stephanie Kurose, (203) 524-0562, stephaniekurose@centeractionfund.org
Center Action Fund Endorses Imani Oakley for New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District
NEWARK, N.J.— The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, the 501(c)(4) political arm of the Center for Biological Diversity, announced today that it is endorsing Imani Oakley in the Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District.
“Imani Oakley is deeply committed to fighting the environmental injustices that have devastated the communities of northern New Jersey for too long,” said Stephanie Kurose, northeast political director at the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund. “Now more than ever, we need bold leaders like Imani in Congress who aren’t afraid to confront the massive challenges our country faces head on. We know she’ll fight every day for a healthier planet for both people and wildlife, and we’re honored to endorse her.”
“The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund is a tireless, fearless advocate for our increasingly fragile ecosystem. New Jersey’s 10th district is largely urban, and we suffer from the lingering effects of unchecked industry: heavy metals in our soil, noxious chemicals in our air, and a watershed that is one minor spill away from catastrophe. The worst areas of pollution are disproportionately in and around Black and brown neighborhoods — not a coincidence,” said Oakley. “I’m going to Washington to fight to preserve the natural spaces that still exist, clean up the ones that have been badly polluted, provide good union jobs to the folks who will be doing the preservation and clean-up work, and ensure that the communities that have been most harmed by the lingering effects of dirty industry are prioritized for restoration. It won’t be easy, but with advocates like the CBDAF at my side, we can absolutely do this.”
Oakley — a political organizer who has worked hard to combat systemic injustice in all its forms — is running for Congress in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District on a platform that includes support for the Green New Deal and environmental justice. Her policies include ensuring a just green transition, rapid decarbonization of the economy, and massive federal investment in green unionized jobs for all.
Oakley is challenging Rep. Donald Payne, an establishment Democrat who has failed to offer bold solutions to address the environmental crises the United States now faces. Rep. Payne has not endorsed the Green New Deal resolution, supported Congressional efforts to address fossil fuel production on public lands and waters, or endorsed legislation that declares the climate crisis to be a national emergency.
###
The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund is a national nonprofit organization that advocates for legislation and legislators that will advance a progressive environmental agenda. The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund is the 501(c)(4) affiliate of the Center for Biological Diversity, but these organizations’ names are not interchangeable. This news release is from the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, not the Center for Biological Diversity.