Platform Update

July 2009

SITE REMEDIATION: The Site Remediation Reform Act (SRRA) – also known as the Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) legislation – was recently signed into law by Governor Corzine.  The measure proposes that New Jersey borrow aspects of a Massachusetts program (a major recommendation of the State Chamber's Benchmarking Study on Site Remediation) to allow certified professionals to proceed through the investigation and remediation of selected sites with a minimum of DEP oversight.  The State Chamber supported the legislation and believes it will begin the process of reducing the excessive backlog of 20,000 contaminated sites in New Jersey.

Meanwhile, the DEP continues to move forward with the LSRP issue by posting guidance documents and applications at http://www.nj.gov/dep/srp/srra/.  The Department intends to issue the first set of Temporary LSRP licenses at least one month prior to the SRRA implementation date of November 3, 2009.

Passing legislation that improves the site remediation process, utilizing the recommendations from the State Chamber’s 2007 Site Remediation Benchmarking study, is a primary goal of the P4P Environment Coalition.

SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD: The DEP is now accepting nominations to its Science Advisory Board and four standing committees.  The Science Advisory Board was created recently by Administrative Order 2009-05 and will, at the Commissioner's request, provide independent peer review and advice on scientific and technical issues relevant to the DEP's mission.  The Board will deliver its findings and recommendations to the Commissioner through the DEP's Office of Science, which also will serve as the liaison with the Commissioner, DEP staff and the public. 

The four standing committees will report to the Science Advisory Board, and include: 1) Climate and Atmospheric Sciences; 2) Ecological Processes; 3) Public Health; and 4) Water Quality and Quantity.  Scientists interested either in serving on the Science Advisory Board or one of its committees or nominating colleagues can complete a nomination form and e-mail it to njsab@dep.state.nj.us by August 7.

Passing legislation that establishes a Science and Policy Review Board to review proposed environmental regulations is a primary goal of the P4P Environment Coalition.

SUSQUEHANNA-ROSELAND TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT: The State Chamber testified in support last month at several public hearings held by the New Jersey  Board of Public Utilities regarding the petition by PSE&G seeking BPU determination on a proposed transmission system upgrade.  One of the key areas of focus for the State Chamber is to ensure that New Jersey has a first-class energy infrastructure system capable of meeting the current needs of our state as well as the needs we see on the horizon.  The Susquehanna-Roseland transmission upgrade is critical to this goal and the future success of our economy and the energy needs of our citizens.

For a copy of the State Chamber’s testimony, click here. 

For a copy of the State Chamber’s OpEd, click here.

Passing legislation or promulgating regulations that reduce energy consumption, stimulate “green jobs”, and provide incentives to the business community, is a primary goal of the P4P Environment Coalition.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

NJ TO RECEIVE $8.33 MILLION IN U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY FUNDING: New Jersey will receive $8.33 million in U.S. Department of Energy funds for a rebate program to encourage the state’s consumer’s to purchase ENERGY STAR qualified home appliances. The funding is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which is aimed at creating jobs and developing America’s energy independence.  The funds will build upon the state’s existing, award-winning Clean Energy Program.  The state will begin to receive funding under the program with the submission of an initial application due August 15, 2009.  A final application outlining the state’s plans for the rebate program funding is due October 15.  New Jersey’s application is expected to include an increase in funding for existing appliance rebate programs as well as an expansion in the types of appliances eligible for rebates.

Further information about New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program and the program’s incentives and rebates offered for homes and businesses, can be found at www.njcleanenergy.com or by calling 1-866-NJSMART.

EPA TRUCK AND SHIPS EMISSIONS UPDATE:  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the New Jersey and New York region $17 million in stimulus funding to reduce diesel emissions.  The funding includes $9.8 million for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to replace old trucks with newer, cleaner models and reduce diesel emissions from idling cruise ships.  The Port Authority will spend about $7 million of the money to replace as many as 636 trucks made in 1993 or earlier with models made in 2004 or later. 

In other EPA related news, EPA is proposing a rule under the Clean Air Act that sets tough engine and fuel standards for U.S. flagged ships that would harmonize with international standards.  When fully implemented, the coordinated effort would reduce NOx emissions by 80 percent and PM emissions by 85 percent compared to current emissions.  For information on the components of the coordinated strategy, including the proposed Clean Air Act standards, go to: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/oceanvessels.htm

2009 GOVERNOR'S ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS:   The DEP has announced the application process for the 2009 Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards.  This awards program was established by DEP 10 years ago to recognize outstanding environmental performance, programs and projects in the state. The awards recognize individuals, businesses, institutions and communities who have made significant contributions to environmental protection in New Jersey.  Winners of the 2009 Governors Environmental Excellence Awards will be invited to an awards ceremony hosted by the Governor in December.

To learn more about the program,  please visit the awards website at http://www.nj.gov/dep/eeawards/.  The deadline for application submittal is September 18, 2009.

ENVIRONMENT-TIP-OF-THE-MONTH: With a few simple changes, businesses can reduce their summer electric bills and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  For some helpful suggestions, click here.

Click here for previous update.


Michael Egenton
Vice President , Environment & Transportation
New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
216 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: (609)989-7888 Ext. 119
Fax: (609)989-9696
Michael.Egenton@njchamber.com