Environment

Since coming to Congress, Rep. Frelinghuysen has worked to preserve open space and protect the environment across our nation and in New Jersey.

The Congressman sponsored the Federal Highlands Conservation Act, which was signed into law in 2004.  The landmark legislation helps protect open space and our region’s water supply by funding the purchase of land currently at risk of development.  The difference between this environmental effort and the other, more controversial state Highlands preservation programs is that this federal program only deals with “willing sellers” of land.  The Highlands Conservation Act receives federal funding.

Rep. Frelinghuysen continues to lead the effort to protect New Jersey’s environment and make our state a cleaner and healthier place to live.

Rep. Frelinghuysen has:

• Secured more than $30 million to preserve and protect open space and critical drinking water supplies in the Highlands region.
• Introduced legislation to establish the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area in New Jersey. (http://www.nps.gov/crossroads/)
• Secured a commitment from the National Park Service which led to the rehabilitation of the Morristown National Historical Park museum building, located within America’s oldest national historic park. (http://www.nps.gov/morr/)
• Securing support from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to purchase more acreage surrounding the Great Swamp Wildlife Refuge to protect its pristine wildlife and establish a visitor’s center. Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge brochure -  Conservation Library - Refuge Brochures
• Championed statewide efforts to clean-up toxic waste at sites on the National Priority List of Superfund sites and demanding real results for the expenditure of dollars dedicated to cleanups.
• Works with the Environmental Protection Agency and members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation to clean up the Passaic River- one of the dirtiest waterways in America.  In June of 2008, an agreement was reached to remove 200,000 cubic yards of contaminated material from the river.
• Secured funding for the Passaic River Preservation project, which acquires wetlands properties for flood damage prevention.
• Preserved the 4,200 acre Great Piece Meadows near Lincoln Park and Fairfield.
• Worked to protect the original intent of the Endangered Species Act and opposes any attempt to weaken the law.
  

Throughout the 111th Congress, Rep. Frelinghuysen will continue his work to preserve open space in New Jersey and protect our environment.