APP: Legislators - Study impact of civilian housing at Earle

Here's the APP's take on yesterday's press conference and a copy of the actual legislation put forth by Senator Beck, Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlan and Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande. The key takeaways, in our view:

a) The Navy commander who penned the Record of Decision (ROD) apparently
does not understand the nation's own laws about Environmental Impact Statements, which do require financial impact analysis and a threat assessment as part of the EIS process - Mr. Snow's argument to the contrary is false, and the Navy entirely wrote off the No Action Alternative (i.e. No Build Option) without analysis

b) The symbolism of two U.S. Senators (i.e. Menendez and Lautenberg) joining not only the District 4 and 12 U.S. Representatives Smith and Holt, but also the District 12 State leaders and the leaders of Colts Neck and Tinton Falls, further validates NOPE's fight that this issue is non-partisan. Many naysayers figured the educational standoff between CN and TF or party politics would get in the way of reasonable opposition to Laurelwood housing, but it hasn't. Giving any person unimpeded access to an active weapons base will compromise our safety and the Navy's own mission to provide ammunition to the fleet as it is engaged in an ongoing war against terrorists.

c) Our efforts are bearing fruit, but we cannot rest on our laurels. NOPE will continue to challenge the decision, press our elected officials and inform the public. Stay tuned here and to your email for updates on community gatherings and outreach that we are planning for July through October. Grassroots activism works, and we need to continue the fight.