Hey, Murphy: Tax Meat! PETA ‘Pigs’ to Hoof It to Governor’s Office to Call Out Climate Action Agenda

For Immediate Release:
April 12, 2024

Contact:
Rachel Hershkovitz 202-483-7382

As Gov. Phil Murphy pursues a climate action plan in New Jersey, a pair of PETA “pigs” will take to his office on Tax Day with a practical solution: Tax meat! PETA’s action will remind the governor that animal agriculture produces more greenhouse gas emissions than all the world’s transportation combined and will call on lawmakers in the state to slap an excise tax on meat to help cover the hefty health and environmental costs that result from using animals for food. The group also sent a letter to Murphy today offering to supply free vegan starter kits to place in public buildings if he adds a meat tax to his New Jersey Protecting Against Climate Threats (NJ PACT) agenda.

When: Monday, April 15, 12 noon

Where: Gov. Phil Murphy’s Office, 225 W. State St., Trenton (See the Google Maps link here.)

A PETA “pig” calls for a tax on meat during a previous demonstration. Credit: PETA

“A simple solution to the climate catastrophe is staring Gov. Murphy in the face: Get meat off New Jerseyans’ plates,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “PETA is calling on the governor to put his money where his mouth is by taxing planet- and animal-killing meat products.”

PETA points out that while tobacco, alcohol, and gasoline are all taxed because of their negative health or environmental consequences, meat has gotten off scot-free—even though studies show that it’s a leading contributor to climate change as well as to many of the worst health problems that Americans face, including heart disease, strokes, cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness.

For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on X, Facebook, or Instagram.

Note: PETA supports animal rights, opposes all forms of animal exploitation, and educates the public on those issues. PETA does not directly or indirectly participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office or any political party.