Congress Candidate In D-10 Makes ‘No Fossil Fuel Money’ Pledge

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A challenger for U.S. Congress in the state’s 10th district has signed the “No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge” for his 2020 campaign.

Last month, John Flora, a contender in the 2020 race for a seat in the 10th district (Essex, Hudson, Union counties), announced that he’s signed on to the national campaign, which asks political candidates to make the following promise:

“I pledge not to take contributions over $200 from oil, gas, and coal industry executives, lobbyists, and PACs and instead prioritize the health of our families, climate and democracy over fossil fuel industry profits.”

Taking the pledge means that a politician or candidate’s campaign will adopt a policy to not knowingly accept any contributions more than $200 from PACs, lobbyists, or SEC-named executives of companies whose primary business is the extraction, processing, distribution, or sale of oil, gas or coal.

Flora signed the pledge at a house party in Montclair, along with three leaders from the local hub of the Sunrise Movement, a national coalition of young people fighting to stop the climate crisis.

“Signing this pledge represents the first step in partnering with the youth across the country,” Flora said. “Why would any young adult believe that a politician will be responsive to their climate crisis concerns when they are accepting large donations from special interest groups?”

Flora announced his candidacy in late August. The 10th district is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr., a Democratic Party member.

Read more about Flora's political platform.

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