New Jersey LCV Education Fund Calls for Stronger Climate Resiliency on Sandy Anniversary

For Immediate Release 
October 28, 2025

 

New Jersey LCV Education Fund Calls for Stronger Climate Resiliency on Sandy Anniversary

Next Governor Must Address Climate Change in NJ

 

Seaside Park, NJ – As we approach the anniversary of Superstorm Sandy's arrival in New Jersey on Oct. 29, 2012, New Jersey LCV Education Fund (NJLCVEF) is urging immediate action to strengthen climate resiliency in shore communities. Sandy caused billions in damages, destroyed homes and businesses, and left lasting impacts on residents—a stark reminder that future storms will only get worse if New Jersey does not prepare now.

 

"Superstorm Sandy showed us how devastating storms can be," said Luke Pavlov, Campaigns Manager, New Jersey LCVEF. "Now, with hurricane Melissa, one of the largest storms to make landfall on record—we're once again witnessing the growing power and destruction of a warming world. Rising seas and stronger storms are no longer distant threats—they're our reality. The damage we've seen underscores the urgent need to build resilient communities that can withstand future disasters and protect lives, homes, and local economies."

 

This effort is part of New Jersey LCV's Enviro Fix in '26 initiative, ensuring that the next governor of New Jersey makes climate action and community resiliency a top priority.

 

At the center of the Enviro Fix in "26 campaign is the 121-page "Enviro Fix in "26", developed by a coalition of 25 organizations from across the environmental, public health, and social justice sectors. The agenda outlines actionable priorities for the next administration, including:

 

 

 

"Mitigation programs work and protect us from future storm damage. Every dollar spent on mitigation saves $6 in damage and recovery costs. If overall economic impact is included, the number more than doubles. We need to spend on mitigation now as climate change is here now."

Paul Jeffrey, Vice President Ortley Beach Voters and Taxpayers Assn.

 

"Disasters don't discriminate; disaster recovery does. We need recovery systems that are going to work for everyone and not just a select few." Joe Mangino, Co-founder and Board President, New Jersey Organizing Project

 

"Hurricane Sandy was a wake-up call and too many of us hit snooze. It devastated our coastal communities, caused billions in damage, and exposed just how unprepared we were. We owe it to every family affected to make sure we're never that vulnerable again." Derel Stroud, Councilman, Neptune Township

 

"Climate disasters disrupt every part of our daily lives, from housing and infrastructure to local economies and public health. Investing in resilience helps communities withstand future disasters and recover more quickly. Past rebuilding efforts have shown that thoughtful design can protect homes, strengthen neighborhoods, and improve quality of life. We can ensure every community today has the resources to build smarter and more sustainably for the long term." Hana Katz, NJ Program Manager, Rebuild by Design.

 

"Superstorm Sandy reminded us how vulnerable our communities can be, and how essential preparedness and resilience truly are. More than a decade later, we must keep investing in stronger infrastructure, smarter planning, and better coordination across all levels of government. These are not partisan goals; they are our shared responsibility to protect New Jersey families and businesses." Aura Dunn, Assemblywoman, (LD-25 R)

 

"At Isles, we believe that everyone deserves a healthy community and an environment where they can grow and thrive – this means resiliency and sustainability are not just a value or a tagline, they are a part of everything we do. We believe preparedness and recovery are for everyone, and we must ensure that all communities are included in infrastructure improvements and federal and state assistance. Ben Haygood, Ben Haygood, Director of Policy and Partnerships, Isles

 

"Preparation saves lives and reduces costs," added Pavlov. "Through the Enviro Fix in '26 initiative, we're sending a clear message: whoever leads New Jersey must prioritize climate resiliency and protect our communities from future disasters."

 

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