Hillary Herzig

New Jersey’s drinking water protections have produced measurable progress, but drinking water is only one part of the problem. Reducing PFAS exposure requires addressing contamination at its source, particularly in industrial discharge, agricultural soil, biosolid fertilizers and private wells. I would prioritize expanding PFAS testing in private wells, establishing stronger monitoring of contaminated soil and industrial emissions, and improving coordination between the EPA, NJDEP and local governments. Residents deserve accessible testing, transparent results and timely notification when contamination is discovered. I would also support targeted research into PFAS remediation, including technologies that remove or destroy these chemicals rather than simply transferring them elsewhere. Polluters should bear responsibility for contamination they cause, with financial and technical assistance available to affected homeowners and farmers. New Jersey’s experience demonstrates that enforceable standards can reduce exposure. The next step is extending those protections beyond public drinking water systems to the air, soil and private water supplies that families depend on.

I support maintaining reliable federal funding for medical research, particularly cancer research, environmental health and emerging medical technologies. New Jersey’s universities and biotechnology companies are important contributors to medical innovation, and I want to see that research translate into more affordable, accessible healthcare for our families. I also support expanding state investment through dedicated funding rather than relying exclusively on Washington. Redirecting a portion of existing tobacco tax revenue toward cancer research is an approach worth supporting, provided those funds are protected from diversion and distributed through transparent, competitive grants. I would encourage public and private research partnerships, opportunities for smaller biotechnology companies and greater investment in studying the long term health effects of environmental contaminants.

I support research into the underlying causes of declining youth mental health, including bullying, social isolation, excessive screen time and the effects of technology on developing minds. However, I firmly believe that healthcare decisions belong to parents, not schools. We must stop blurring the lines between educational institutions and healthcare facilities. Schools exist to educate children, schools are not a substitute for mental health clinics. Psychological evaluations, counseling and therapy are healthcare services that should be provided by qualified healthcare professionals in appropriate clinical settings, with informed consent. I support investing in community based mental health services, improving access to pediatric specialists, and ensuring families have affordable options for obtaining care outside the school system. Schools should focus on providing safe learning environments, preventing bullying, and promptly notifying parents when a child needs additional support. Federal funding should prioritize evidence based research, parental education and accessible family directed healthcare.

For our coastal communities, I want to explore dutch-inspired flood management, strategic land reclamation where environmentally appropriate, restored wetlands, living shorelines and natural wave-attenuation systems. Inland communities need modernized stormwater infrastructure, improved drainage, flood resistant bridges and reliable road closure warning systems. I would also pursue FEMA and National Flood Insurance Program reforms that prioritize prevention and resilience rather than repeatedly paying to rebuild after disasters. Federal grants should support proactive infrastructure projects, with particular attention to small businesses, working waterfronts and neighborhoods that experience repetitive flooding. State scientists and flood experts should play a central role in designing, testing and monitoring these solutions. Their research should inform public investment, with transparent data and measurable results. We must work with our natural environment, not continually fight against it, while protecting our communities, local economies and coastal ecosystems.

To address the shortage of STEM educators, I would support alternative certification pathways for qualified scientists, engineers and skilled trades professionals. I support modernizing STEM education, students should have opportunities to explore career interests earlier, visit workplaces and experience professions firsthand. We must prepare students for careers that are less vulnerable to AI automation, including skilled trades, healthcare, engineering and other hands on professions. While children must master mathematics and computational skills, AI will increasingly outperform humans at routine calculations. Education must therefore emphasize critical thinking, creativity, problem solving and applying knowledge in the real world.

I support water efficient cooling, wastewater recycling, rainwater harvesting, rooftop solar and reliable energy sources, including advanced nuclear technology. Facilities should also reuse waste heat wherever practical. State scientists, engineers and local residents must have a meaningful role in siting decisions. Data centers and AI companies should pay for the additional electricity generation and grid infrastructure they require, rather than passing those costs on to households and small businesses. Consumers should have the freedom to choose whether to use and pay for AI services. AI should be an optional service, not an involuntary expense hidden in everyone’s utility bills. We can lead in AI innovation while protecting our natural resources, preserving residential quality of life and keeping energy affordable.