April: The Chapter has rolled out a volunteer survey form that will enable staff and volunteers to follow up with new members and help them become involved in our activities and advocacy. Visit: https://shorturl.at/qxo3O
Staff held two webinars in April and May on data centers and how they threaten communities and the environment through power and water consumption and CO2 generation. The Chapter is working with legislators to advance legislation to better regulate this development.
Chapter members are working to support NJ PACT REAL rules for development in areas prone to flood damage. These rules are opposed by the building and business lobbies.
In the monthly Roundtable, attendees discussed the chapter budget.
March: Laura Lynch was appointed Legislative Committee chair, replacing Bill Brazell who resigned. The Chapter expressed appreciation for his time and effort. The committee’s standing rules were updated.
The following endorsements were approved: Rep. Antwan McClellan Conaway, D-3; Rep. Nellie Pou, D-9; Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-10.
ExCom approved a resolution in support of the Inland Route 29 realignment proposal in Trenton. This would facilitate recreation and access to the waterfront.
A central email address was established for information about the Chapter and to reach Chapter staff: info@newjersey.sierraclub.org
An Owl hybrid meeting device was purchased and received its first trial at the May Chapter ExCom meeting. This enables participation at meetings from home and in person.
Tony Hagen will become chair of the Group Leadership meetings to be held monthly.
Staff in March conducted a Legislative Breakfast at the Hamilton headquarters to brief legislators on Sierra Club advocacy for 2026.
The Conservation Committee is collaborating with the Edelman Foster Museum and its Science Program. The West Group will sponsor a backpack that can be checked out to assist with environmental monitoring and record keeping. The backpack will contain everything needed for species identification and information gathering. Contact Gina Corola at ginaceee@verizon.net for more information.
February: Chapter Conservation Program Manager Taylor McFarland is working to establish an endangered species committee and is developing a mission statement. Contact her at info@newjersey.sierraclub.org in you would like to participate.
Chapter Executive Director Anjuli Ramos-Busot announced the Chapter has secured a $150,000 grant to aid in advocacy for data center legislation.
Building and Electrification Committee Co-Chair Steve Miller announced the group’s January 15 webinar on the impact of data centers had a record 169 registrants and 80 attendees.
The Warehouse Committee name was changed to the Data Center and Warehouse Committee to reflect its expanded role to address data center impacts.
ExCom approved a resolution to cover volunteer member tabling expenses up to $200 yearly per tabling entity, provided receipts are submitted to Chapter treasurer Paul Sanderson.
In the Roundtable, ExCom, staff and volunteers discussed improving communication among Chapter entities.
Fundraising Committee Chair Jim Andreano reported a 2025 fundraising total of $102,316 and a 14% expense ratio.