On Tuesday, Christie 55 Solutions Managing Director Bob Martin took the stage at the New Jersey Business and Industry Association’s 6th Annual Energy and Environmental Policy Conference to share an insider’s perspective on the storm and the lessons in resiliency that followed.
As Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection under Governor Chris Christie from 2010 to 2018, Bob played a key leadership role in coordinating the state’s preparation, response, and long-term rebuilding from Sandy. His session, “Sandy: An Insider’s Perspective and Lessons in Resiliency,” examined the decisions made during the immediate response to the storm and catastrophic damage, short-term actions for recovery, and the steps taken to rebuild a stronger, more resilient New Jersey.
Bob focused on the extent of the damage to the electric, water and wastewater, and natural gas infrastructure, as well as roads and coastal protection. He discussed the efforts to rebuild that infrastructure better, higher and stronger.
Bob also highlighted leadership at all levels of government, especially from Governor Christie. He lauded the leadership of the Governor’s Cabinet and State agencies, the federal government, county and local officials, and first responders. He discussed the need for adaptability required when even the best preparations meet unprecedented circumstances. Whether it was first responders rescuing residents or neighbors providing meals, he reflected on how people across New Jersey stepped up to help one another.
He emphasized that resiliency is an ongoing commitment, from protecting substations against flooding to ensuring backup power for critical water and wastewater facilities. Sustained infrastructure investment and planning that adapts to evolving risks are critical to protecting communities and keeping essential services running through future storms.
Fourteen years later, the importance of continuing to strengthen resiliency remains as relevant as ever. It provided an underlying theme for the conference’s conversations on affordability, reliability, and economic growth, as well as the future of New Jersey’s energy and environmental policy.
Thank you to NJBIA and to everyone who joined the conversation.