Image of Ishaan Bharadwaj with the South Ward Environmental Alliance in Newark's South Ward
No Break from Trucks: Ishaan Bharadwaj’s Glimpse into Newark’s Air Burden
Clean Water Action’s 2025 Environmental Justice Intern, Ishaan Bharadwaj, recently joined South Ward Environmental Alliance’s truck counting program in Newark’s South Ward. Standing outside a neighborhood park, he witnessed firsthand the steady stream of diesel trucks overwhelming the community. His reflection highlights how pollution is not just data on a page, but a lived reality for residents in overburdened neighborhoods.
In the span of minutes, our truck tally amounted to dozens. We were unable to catch a break because it seemed as if new trucks were coming from every corner. It was a stark contrast from Millburn, one zip code over, where only a couple trucks pass by every now and then.
Recording data in real time gave me firsthand insight into how pollution isn’t abstract or numerical; rather, it is felt deeply by communities, especially those already overburdened by environmental injustices. I had studied pollution through science classes and research projects, but standing in Newark with my KN95 mask, counting trucks, and watching our tally box overflow made the issue much more personal. I hope the data we helped collect will incite change in Newark, and I am also grateful for this firsthand experience SWEA provided.
Photos of some of our amazing staff and Elizabeth residents pictured in a recent truck count & air monitoring session in Elizabeth, NJ (August 27, 2025)
Elizabeth Trucks Return to Banned Route
We counted over 80 diesel-fueled trucks in just 1 hour along the intersections of 1st and S. Streets, 1st and Trumbull Streets, where trucks are no longer allowed. We used Atmotube sensors to capture the concentration of P.M 2.5 (Particulate Matter), a common air pollutant from diesel trucks.
Collecting this data and organizing truck counts in diesel hotpots like Elizabeth (close to ports and lots of warehouses!) demonstrates how desperately we need statewide policy, like an ISR (Indirect Source Review). ISR would improve both air quality and public health for the communities being exposed the most to truck pollution.
Need help coordinating a truck count in your community? Contact Clean Water Action’s Zero Emissions & Warehouse Organizer, Tolani Taylor.
Learn more about the NJ ISR Bill here. Take action here to help us get it passed this Fall!
Amy Goldsmith at a rally Clean Water Action’s NJ State Director, Amy Goldsmith, speaking at Pt. Pleasant Climate Superfund Press conference (August 14, 2025)
Let’s Pass the Climate Superfund Act!
On a hot summer day, activists from Clean Water Action, EmpowerNJ, Climate Revolution Action Network (CRAN), and more gathered in both Point Pleasant and Hoboken, NJ to push for the passage of the Climate Superfund Act (S3545/A4696).
Clean Water Action’s Environmental Advocate, Molly Cleary, and State Director, Amy Goldsmith, led the charge for Clean Water Action in Point Pleasant. Amy spoke on the importance of the bill as a resident of the Jersey Shore and how climate disasters (in this case, Superstorm Sandy) destroyed Clean Water Action’s Belmar office. Like so many others, we were never able to return.
Our Zero Waste Specialist, Marta Young, Zero Emission & Warehouse Organizer, Tolani Taylor, and NJ & National Board Member Colron Chambers joined the effort in Hoboken, where more activists, legislators, and community partners alike shared their experiences with climate disasters and how this key bill would help prevent and mitigate climate impacts in the future.
With 50+ cosponsors at the State House, it is time to ensure its final passage. Contact your NJ legislator. Tell them you favor the Climate Superfund Act, and they should too!
Marta Young, Clean Water Action, Zero Waste Specialist, Marta Young, at the Essex County Environmental Center (ECEC)
Teaching Children about the Harms of Plastic
This summer, New Jersey’s ReThink Disposable program has been busy educating children and moving plastics reduction policy. Zero Waste Specialist, Marta Young, has been working with the Essex County Environmental Center (ECEC) to reduce plastic waste and educate kids about the harms of plastic on our health and the environment. Clean Water Action also provided reusable and sustainable items that the Environmental Center will use to switch out plastics toys and other keep sakes in their store, as well as serve as awards for their sustainability related competitions held throughout the year.
In addition, the children actively performed science experiments and discussed ways and reasons to reduce and reuse. We are excited about developing an ongoing partnership with ECEC. We are already discussing what’s next. At the policy level, Marta is helping to reduce toxic exposure by testifying at town council meetings in favor of passing resolutions and ordinances at the municipal level including Extended Producer Responsibility and Construction Dust Containment. She worked with Livingston high schoolers to pass their Skip the Stuff ordinance, (the state’s 25th) and is working to help educate communities about plastics reduction. For more information about plastics policies in New Jersey, please contact Marta Young.
CLEAN WATER NEWS
Skip the Stuff with Marta Young - Livingston Green Team and Livingston Environmental Committee
