New Report Further Demonstrates Need to Delay December 31 COAH Deadline

A new report on global warming issued by the Corzine Administration this month has only added to the mass confusion caused by a number of conflicting policies affecting development and growth that have been simultaneously championed and enacted by Governor Jon Corzine in recent years. The Draft Global Warming Response Act Recommendation Report, issued on December 15, 2008, represents the Administration's long-term plan to address global warming. The report includes recommendations for smart growth and housing development.

SMITH MEASURE TO PROTECT STATE FORESTS APPROVED BY SENATE

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senate Environment Committee Chair, Senator Bob Smith, which would establish a new forest stewardship program in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to protect privately-owned forests in the Garden State was approved today by the Senate, receiving a vote of 35-3.

“New Jersey has taken a bold step in pledging to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2020,” said Senator Smith, D-Middlesex and Somerset. “However, if we’re going to meet our greenhouse gas reduction goals in the next two decades, we need to protect our biggest weapon in the carbon-sequestering arsenal – our State’s lush forest land. Through this legislation, we’re extending support and incentives to good-faith forest stewards and ensuring that forestland will be preserved from overdevelopment and suburban sprawl.”

SMITH MEASURE TO PROTECT STATE FORESTS APPROVED IN BUDGET COMMITTEE

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senate Environment Committee Chair, Senator Bob Smith, which would establish a new forest stewardship program in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to protect privately-owned forests in the Garden State was approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee by a vote of 9-0, with 4 abstentions.

“New Jersey’s forests are our most important tool in carbon sequestering and reversing global warming in the Garden State,” said Senator Smith, D-Middlesex and Somerset. “We have a public interest in ensuring the continued vitality and sustainability of forest-land, not only in terms of public recreation, but also in terms of environmental protection. By tapping into existing preservation programs, we can ensure that New Jersey’s forests will survive over-development and suburban sprawl and continue to contribute to our efforts to reduce global warming in the State.”

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. 

Lautenberg Responds To State of The Union

SENATOR LAUTENBERG VISITS PNC BANK IN HAMILTON TO ANNOUNCE 'GREEN BUILDINGS' PROVISION BECOMING LAW

SMITH/BUONO BILL TO ENCOURAGE RENEWABLE ENERGY PASSES SENATE

TRENTON – The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Senators Bob Smith and Barbara Buono that would revise the laws concerning electricity production in New Jersey to encourage expanded use of renewable energy sources.

CHIVUKULA/McKEON GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION BILL CLEARS ASSEMBLY PANEL

(TRENTON) - Legislation Assembly members Upendra J. Chivukula, John F. McKeon, Linda Stender, and Louis Manzo sponsored to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey through a regional alliance of 10 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states was released today by an Assembly panel.

“Instead of solar power for Xanadu, electricity will be provided by burning fossil fuels – and that’s apparently okay with the state and the Sierra Club.”

'GLOBAL WARMING RESPONSE ACT' SIGNED INTO LAW

Law Places NJ at Forefront of National Fight to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

(EAST RUTHERFORD) - Legislation Assembly members Linda Stender, Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Reed Gusciora, Linda R. Greenstein, and John F. McKeon sponsored to help curb the effects of global warming by establishing an aggressive statewide greenhouse gas reduction plan over the next half century was signed into law today by Governor Jon S. Corzine.