VAN DREW BILL HALTING DEP ACCESS RULES TO MARINAS SIGNED INTO LAW

Measure Would Create Moratorium on Broad New Access Rules Deemed Too Drastic by Marina Owners

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Jeff Van Drew which will delay implementation of new Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) rules to give the public broad access to private marina facilities in New Jersey was signed into law yesterday by Governor Corzine.

“The public has a right to access their waterways, but private marinas are an important part of the shore’s tourism economy,” said Senator Van Drew, D-Cape May and Cumberland. “Each marina is not created the same, and owners need time to develop plans which address the unique issues surrounding access at their facility, including public safety, site operation, and geographic location. A delay in the implementation of DEP’s public access rules is simply a matter of fairness to people who’ve invested a lot of time and capital in the Jersey Shore.”

Senator Steve Oroho, Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose and Assemblyman Gary Chiusano (R-24, Sussex, Morris, Hunterdon) sent a letter today to Commissioner Lisa Jackson of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection requesting that the Department publicly release its figures on the present bear population in New Jersey.

The Record reported on Thursday that the Corzine administration has missed a June 30 deadline for a report outlining New Jersey’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% over the next four years – something that could affect Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa Jackson’s chances to become the Governor’s next Chief of Staff.  Jon Corzine, with former Vice President Al Gore at his side, signed the Global Warming Response Act one year ago yesterday.  A DEP spokeswoman told The Record that the report is still a few months away. 

MCKEON BILL TO ALLOW DEP TO CHARGE FOR EXCESSIVE OPRA REQUESTS CLEARS COMMITTEE

Measure Would Charge Fee for Requests That Require Extraordinary Time, Effort 

(TRENTON) --  The Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee today released legislation Assemblyman John McKeon sponsored to reduce the number of frivolous government records requests made to the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

MCKEON BILL TO ALLOW DEP TO CHARGE FOR EXCESSIVE OPRA REQUESTS CLEARS COMMITTEE

Measure Would Charge Fee for Requests That Require Extraordinary Time, Effort 

(TRENTON) --  The Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee today released legislation Assemblyman John McKeon sponsored to reduce the number of frivolous government records requests made to the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

TURNER - STATE HAS RESPONSIBILITY TO PRESERVE PARK FUNDING

TRENTON – Senator Shirley K. Turner, D-Mercer, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after the budget panel heard from Department of Environmental Protections Commissioner Lisa Jackson about the status of her department’s budget and funding for parks and recreation in New Jersey:

SMITH - ENVIRONMENTAL PANEL HEARING OFFERS SOLID DIRECTION FOR STATE

TRENTON – Senator Bob Smith, D-Middlesex and Somerset, the Chair of the Senate Environment Committee, issued the following statement regarding today’s Committee hearing regarding ongoing State environmental projects and the direction that New Jersey’s environmental policies should take this year:

“I think we had a very productive dialogue today regarding where we are with the implementation of the State’s environmental priorities, and where we should be going in the coming year.

LAUTENBERG, STATE & LOCAL LEADERS
ANNOUNCE NEW LAW & ACTIONS
TO CLEAN UP RAIL WASTE SITES

VAN DREW/ALBANO/MORIARTY/McKEON MEASURE PROVIDING $40 MILLION IN OPEN SPACE FUNDS SIGNED INTO LAW

(TRENTON)- Legislation authorizing $40 million for open space acquisition was ceremoniously signed into law today by Governor Jon S. Corzine.

BODINE WANTS DEP TO FOLLOW THROUGH
ON FLOOD PREVENTION EFFORTS
Assemblyman Calls Commissioner Jackson's Site Visit to Burlington
A Constructive Start to Improved Dialogue between State & Local Officials

(SOUTHAMPTON) - Assemblyman Francis L. Bodine today said state Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa Jackson's recent visit to flood-prone section of Burlington County sends a positive signal of potential cooperation among state and local officials to solve stubborn flooding problems.