LAW THAT WOULD PUT 5-CENT FEE ON PLASTIC, PAPER BAGS UP IN AIR AS GOVERNOR DECIDES
News Article • • by Tom Johnson at NJ Spotlight
It was only a single line-item veto in a $37.4 billion state budget, but it has fueled speculation over the fate of a controversial bill to impose a nickel fee on single use carry-out bags.
Gov. Phil Murphy blocked the diversion of funds targeted for lead abatement projects in the budget, a move welcomed by environmental and other advocates who want to see more resources dedicated to eliminating childhood exposure to lead.
In approving a state spending plan for the new fiscal year, the governor eliminated language that would have shifted at least $23 million raised by fees on plastic and paper bags to the general budget instead of lead programs as originally intended.
Is Phil Murphy moving to ban plastic bags in New Jersey?
News Article • • by Scott Fallon at NorthJersey.com
Gov. Phil Murphy deleted language from the state's $37.4 billion budget Sunday that would have raised millions from a proposed 5-cent fee on plastic supermarket bags, signaling that he may support more stringent restrictions, including a ban.
Murphy has about 30 days left to decide the fate of the 5-cent fee bill, passed hurriedly by the Legislature last month as lawmakers were scrambling to find new revenue sources. Dan Bryan, a spokesman for Murphy, said Monday that no final decision has been made regarding the bill.
But environmentalists and some state lawmakers are urging Murphy, a Democrat, to support a temporary fee for a few years followed by an outright ban by vetoing the bill or rewriting it as part of a conditional veto. They want a bag law based on California's measure that bans plastic bags and charges a 10-cent fee on paper bags.
"The changes that need to be made to this bill are really critical; otherwise we're not doing much to solve the problem," said Ed Potosnak, executive director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. "Nobody likes to change their habits, but this is a direction we need to go in. Just look at how much plastic is on your beaches and in your parks."
New Jersey LCV, Environmental Groups applaud passage of the Flood Reduction Act
Press Release •
New Jersey LCV and several state conservation groups praised the State Senate for the passage of S1073, also known as the Flood Reduction Act.
NEW JERSEY LCV STATEMENT ON TRANSCO PULLING ITS APPLICATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS FOR NESE
Press Release •
Ed Potosnak, executive director of New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, released the following statement today on Williams Transco’s Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) project permit withdrawal.
NEW JERSEY LCV, ED POTOSNAK STATEMENT ON THE SWEARING IN OF ACTING COMMISSIONER CATHERINE MCCABE
Press Release •
TRENTON, NJ—Ed Potosnak, Executive Director of New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, released the following statement on the swearing in of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Catherine McCabe:
Tested solution addresses flooding, polluted runoff: Potosnak/Sturm
News Article • • by Ed Potosnak and Chris Sturm at Asbury Park Press
The issuance last week of 47 advisories of high levels of fecal bacteria along New Jersey's beaches highlights an important issue facing our state: We need a permanent way to address our polluted runoff problem.
Bill Aimed At Identifying Lead Threat In Water Lines
News Article • • by Phil Gregory at WBGO
Lead that gets into drinking water from old water pipes can cause serious health problems.
New Jersey lawmakers are considering legislation that would help assess the extent of that hazard.
A bill advanced by an Assembly committee would require public water systems to submit a list of lead service lines in their distribution system to the Department of Environmental Protection.
Chris Sturm with New Jersey Future says that’s an important step.
“It would set New Jersey communities on the path to understanding where those lead service lines are, cost estimates for how to replace them. It would also empower homeowners to know what they’re dealing with.”
Henry Gajda with the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters also supports the measure.
Testimony on SCR121, Condemning EPA decision to withdraw from once-in-always-in policy
Testimony •
TYPE: Legislation
NUMBER: SCR121
DESCRIPTION: Condemns EPA decision to withdraw from "once-in-always-in" policy under Clean Air Act.
POSITION: Support
TO: Senate Energy & Environment Committee
Testimony on S2476, Limiting DEP's oversight
Testimony •
TYPE: Legislation
NUMBER: S2476
DESCRIPTION: Amends law to limit DEP's direct oversight of remediation of portion of contaminated site under certain circumstances.
POSITION: Opposed
TO: Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee
Testimony on S2255, Tax Credits for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Testimony •
TYPE: Legislation
NUMBER: S2255
DESCRIPTION: Provides corporation business tax credit and gross income tax credits for purchase and installation of certain electric vehicle charging stations.
POSITION: In favor
TO: Senate Energy & Environment Committee