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U.S. Gubernatorial Incumbents

NameStatePartyPositionPosition ScoreClimate Plan [100% Renewable Energy by 2030]Climate Plan [Zero Human GHG Emission by 2050]Climate Plan [Fossil Fuels in the Ground]Climate Plan [Carbon Dioxide Removal]Climate Plan [100% Renewable Energy by 2030]Climate Plan [Zero Human GHG Emission by 2050]Climate Plan [Fossil Fuels in the Ground]Climate Plan [Carbon Dioxide Removal]Climate Plan ScoreLeadershipLeadership ScoreCarbon FeeCarbon Fee ScoreClimate CalculationSources
Murphy, PhilNew JerseyDemocratGovernor Phil Murphy understands the importance of climate action as a top priority issue. According to the official New Jersey governor's website, Murphy states, "Climate change is the single greatest long-term threat currently facing humanity, and our state and economy are uniquely vulnerable to its devastating effects. Confronting climate change requires decisive and intentional action across all sectors and levels of government." Murphy also stated, “New Jersey faces an imminent threat from climate change, from rising seas that threaten our coastline to high asthma rates in some of our most vulnerable communities due to fossil fuel pollution. Successfully implementing the strategies outlined in the Energy Master Plan will drastically reduce New Jersey’s demand for fossil fuels, reduce our carbon emissions, greatly improve local air quality, and related health impacts."100NoNoN/AN/AGovernor Phil Murphy does not support switching to 100% renewable energy sources by 2030. According to 'Reuters,' "New Jersey released a draft energy plan on Monday that provides an initial blueprint for the total conversion of the state’s energy profile to 100 percent clean energy by 2050. The plan, called Draft 2019 Energy Master Plan, advances New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) said in a release.The plan defines clean energy as carbon-neutral electric generation and maximum electrification of the transportation and building sectors to meet or exceed greenhouse emissions reductions of 80 percent relative to 2006 levels by 2050."Governor Phil Murphy does not support the elimination of all human-made, greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and instead supports lowering emissions to 80% below 2006 levels by 2050. According to 'Reuters,' "New Jersey released a draft energy plan on Monday that provides an initial blueprint for the total conversion of the state’s energy profile to 100 percent clean energy by 2050. The plan, called Draft 2019 Energy Master Plan, advances New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) said in a release.The plan defines clean energy as carbon-neutral electric generation and maximum electrification of the transportation and building sectors to meet or exceed greenhouse emissions reductions of 80 percent relative to 2006 levels by 2050." Only the complete elimination of these greenhouse gas emissions will lead to a slow reduction in the atmosphere over the next century. Vote Climate U.S. PAC’s call to eliminate all human-made CO2 and methane emissions surpasses that of a net-zero carbon emission or a carbon neutral economy by 2050, which we do not believe goes far enough toward the elimination of fossil fuels. Governor Phil Murphy does not take a clear position or is inconsistent, on keeping fossil fuels in the ground. Governor Phil Murphy does not take a clear position or is inconsistent, on the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.0Governor Phil Murphy has demonstrated leadership by advocating for climate action. According to 'Rutgers,' Murphy states, "As New Jerseyans know too well, the impacts of climate change threaten our property, public health, safety, and can wreak long-lasting damage to our economy. Almost eight years later, some residents of our state are still struggling to recover from Superstorm Sandy, and there are businesses and beloved landmarks that have never recovered. Just as we have seen with respect to the COVID-19 crisis, our commitment to environmental health will too create economic health. We know that now is the time for climate action, and DEP’s Scientific Report on Climate Change will shape our planning and response to this coming crisis." Murphy makes climate change a top priority issue.100Governor Phil Murphy has no known or an inconsistent position on a U.S. fee on carbon.5062.5https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562021/20210422a.shtml https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562020/approved/20200127a.shtml https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-new-jersey-renewable/new-jersey-unveils-energy-plan-to-make-state-100-clean-by-2050-idUSKCN1TB293 https://njclimateresourcecenter.rutgers.edu/state-scientific-report-details-climate-change-impacts-on-new-jersey/

U.S. Gubernatorial Challengers

NameStatePartyPositionPosition ScoreClimate Plan [100% Renewable Energy by 2030]Climate Plan [Zero Human GHG Emission by 2050]Climate Plan [Fossil Fuels in the Ground]Climate Plan [Carbon Dioxide Removal]Climate Plan [100% Renewable Energy by 2030]Climate Plan [Zero Human GHG Emission by 2050]Climate Plan [Fossil Fuels in the Ground]Climate Plan [Carbon Dioxide Removal]Climate Plan ScoreLeadershipLeadership ScoreCarbon FeeCarbon Fee ScoreClimate CalculationSources
Ciattarelli, JackNew JerseyRepublicanNew Jersey Gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciatarelli does not take a clear position on whether climate change is real and human-made, from burning fossil fuels. According to the 'Insider NJ,' Ciatarelli acknowledged climate change, simply stating, "We’re experiencing something in regard to our climate." Ciatarelli has also attacked climate action. According to the 'Insider New Jersey,' when asked about New Jersey governor's climate change plan, Ciatarelli responded, stating, "It’s too much, too soon, too fast."25NoN/ANoN/ANew Jersey Gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciatarelli does not support switching to 100% renewable energy sources by 2030. Ciatarelli's campaign website states, "Calling for the complete phase-out affordable natural gas – which heats about 75% of New Jersey homes – is a disaster."New Jersey Gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciatarelli does not take a clear position or is inconsistent, on the elimination of all human-made, greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Only the complete elimination of these greenhouse gas emissions will lead to a slow reduction in the atmosphere over the next century. Vote Climate U.S. PAC’s call to eliminate all human-made CO2 and methane emissions surpasses that of a net-zero carbon emission or a carbon neutral economy by 2050, which we do not believe goes far enough toward the elimination of fossil fuels. New Jersey Gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciatarelli does not support keeping fossil fuels in the ground. According to the 'New Jersey Environmental Lobby,' Ciatarelli states, "We should . . .celebrate. . . the unprecedented era of natural gas discovery and extraction. It is creating a very natural evolution from coal to oil to natural gas."New Jersey Gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciatarelli does not take a clear position or is inconsistent, on the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.0New Jersey Gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciatarelli demonstrates a lack of leadership with public statements against climate action. According to the 'Insider New Jersey,' when asked about New Jersey governor's climate change plan, Ciatarelli responded, stating, "It’s too much, too soon, too fast." Ciatarelli also posted an infographic in a facebook post undermining the positive effects of offshore wind turbines, a reliable source of green energy. In the post, Ciatarelli also stated, "Initiating this massive project while providing zero information to NJ residents on how their utility bill will be effected is incredibly reckless."0New Jersey Gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciatarelli has no known or an inconsistent position on a U.S. fee on carbon.5018.75https://www.insidernj.com/ciattarelli-experiencing-something-regard-climate/ https://www.jack4nj.com/statement_on_gov_murphy_s_energy_master_plan http://www.njenvironment.org/environmentalnewsletter_spring2017.html https://p.facebook.com/Jack4NJ/photos/a.1792552974294324/2976972309185712/?type=3&source=48

Voter’s Guide FAQs

What can I do?

On this site, enter your state and get voting dates, deadlines and information for the general election in November. And of course, VOTE CLIMATE using our Voter’s Guide!!

How is each climate score determined?

For current governors and challengers, please see the details in the 2022 U.S. Governors Voter’s Guide Scoring Criteria.

I think I see an error in the data.

Please email us at info@voteclimatepac.org. Please provide concrete information and sources regarding any requested change on climate change, votes, leadership and/or fee on carbon. Due to a legal prohibition against coordination with candidates or their campaigns, to which we abide in letter and spirit, we will not be in touch with candidates or campaigns, but if we can independently verify your claims, we may change the candidate’s rating in our voter’s guide.