President Fails to Mention Climate Change in New Jersey Visit

League Expresses Disappointment and Concern

Statement by Elisabeth MacNamara, President, League of Women Voters of the United States:

“President Obama went to hurricane-ravaged New Jersey on Tuesday to see the rebuilding and economic recovery still taking place after Superstorm Sandy struck last November. 

“We were disappointed that the President failed to mention climate change as one of the causes of extreme weather.  The President should have highlighted the need to address the causes of worsening weather like Superstorm Sandy. 

“The League of Women Voters is disappointed that the President missed this opportunity to educate the public about the dangers we face from a changing climate caused by human pollution.  We are concerned that he missed this opportunity to point to the steps that can be taken to prepare for future disasters.     

“That President Obama would go the Jersey Shore on the eve of another hurricane season and not address the root causes of worsening weather calls into question his commitment to fulfill the obligation he has repeatedly expressed that his Administration will take the steps necessary to protect America. 

“We expect more from our President.

“Without real action from President Obama, we can expect that he and future Presidents will have to make many more of these types of visits to other states under similar circumstances.”