New Jersey environmental groups slam state, federal response to Superstorm Sandy
Thursday, October 24, 2013 Last updated: Thursday October 24, 2013, 1:30 PM
BY JOHN REITMEYER
STATE HO– USE BUREAU
The Record
As the one-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy draws near, New Jersey’s environmental groups are giving poor grades to Governor Christie, lawmakers and federal officials for problems and flaws in the response to the 2012 storm.
Christie, a Republican seeking a second term, drew a grade of B for leadership based on his initial handling of the Oct. 29, 2012 storm, but an overall grade of D due to failings in planning and responsiveness since.
His handling of the damaged NJ Transit rail stock that was left in flood-prone areas was cited as an example. The Record reported earlier this year that the rail stock was left in areas identified in the agency’s own hurricane plan, and Christie has blamed only a low-level manager for that mistake.
“The governor has not been accountable,” said Jeff Tittel, director of New Jersey’s Sierra Club.
Christie administration agencies overseeing the recovery also scored poorly in the grades released during a State House news conference Thursday afternoon. Those shortcomings include a lack of transparency and failure to tailor rebuilding efforts in a way that mitigates damage from future storms.
The recent fire at the Seaside boardwalk was cited as an example. The rush to rebuild without proper permits and inspections may be a contributing factor.
“It shows the danger of rebuilding in haste,” said David Pringle of the New Jersey Environmental Federation.