Environment

The Platform for Progress Environment Coalition advocates for the creation of a balance between protecting our environment and having a strong state economy.  The initiative's goal is to encourage the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to institute seven fundamental guiding principles that will transcend any future changes in administration and bring predictability to the process.  These principles ask that the state base environmental laws on sound science and adopt policies that are feasible for the business community to adhere to.  

Download environment action plan (PDF)

Long Term Goal: Create guiding principles of environmental policy that must transcend administrations, hold the DEP accountable and help strike a balance between protecting the environment and building a strong economy.

Action Plan

Action Item 1: Build consensus around a group of fundamental guiding environmental principles.

Implementation Steps - Seven fundamental guiding environmental principles:

• Advocate that the state base new environmental laws and regulations on sound science and apply federal standards where appropriate.

• Expedite the cleanup process, protect the environment, and accomplish cost-effective site remediation.

• Oppose the imposition of a water tax and advocate for the timely turnaround for wastewater permits.

• Develop an enforcement stewardship policy that does not utilize a “one-size-fits-all” standard and recognizes good actors.

• Create a New Source Review air permitting program that is more predictable and consistent and an air quality planning process that continues the effort to focus and obtain further air pollution reductions from mobile sources.

• Promote recycling within the business community by coordinating business-to-business workshops under the efforts of the Reinvigorating Recycling Coalition.

• Advocate that submissions and rules cannot be changed by the state mid-stream.

Action Item 2: Collaborate and work with the DEP, Legislature, business, and other stakeholder groups in promoting the P4P-Environment Initiatives, advocating state policies that protect the environment and support business.

Implementation Steps:

• Meet regularly with the DEP Commissioner, key legislators, the Office of Economic Growth, and stakeholder groups to update and obtain support for the P4P-Environment Initiatives.

• Designate a point-person in the Governor’s Office who can respond to items under the P4P.
  
• Identify for policy decision-makers the cumulative affect and impact of DEP rules on growing jobs and the economy in the state.

• Work closely with other major stakeholders on environmental legislation and regulation, providing input and suggestions to policy decision-makers.

Action Plan 3: Benchmark New Jersey’s environmental policies against other states.

Implementation Steps:

• Discuss the Site Remediation Benchmarking Study findings with DEP and legislative staff, recommending changes to the site remediation program.
  
• Continue benchmarking project by contracting and conducting continuing studies that will focus on New Jersey’s water and air policies.

Action Plan 4: Initiate a long-term campaign that will begin to get the business community’s message out on environmental issues.

Implementation Steps:

• Determine what irrefutable data is needed to support the business community’s case.
  
• Hire outside researchers to gather irrefutable data.
  
• Identify go-to person or “honest broker” that will represent business community on environmental issues – counter anti-business message.
  
• Create additional team of responders and experts, consisting of specific P4P members.
  
• Investigate media partnerships that would highlight all the P4P issues.
  
• Create an awareness campaign on benefits, science and safety of cleanup projects.
  
• Explain why housing and business growth are important to the economic future of the state.
  
• Utilize the Brookings Institute’s Restoring Prosperity report that calls attention to the economic development needs of our cities.
  
• Establish partnerships with third party organizations – such as EOSHI and NJ Future – who can lend credibility to issues and identify solutions.