NJ Passes Bill to Protect At-Risk Communities from Pollution

Posted on 9/29/2020 by Lauren Scott

On September 18, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation that would require NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) to consider the environmental and public health impacts certain operations would have on “overburdened” communities.

The legislation (S232) defines an “overburdened” community as any community where at least 35 percent of the households qualify as low-income (according to US Census), 40 percent of households are minority, or 40 percent of households have limited English proficiency.

New Jersey has identified about 310 municipalities that have communities that meet the “overburdened” definition. Therefore, this bill is expected to impact roughly 4,489,000 NJ residents.

The State Assembly passed the bill with a 49-28-1 vote on August 27. The State Senate, which approved an earlier version of the bill in June, passed the measure in a 21-14 vote shortly afterwards on the same day.

The bill is being heralded as the first “environmental justice” bill of its kind in the US to consider the impacts of certain projects on lower-income and minority communities. Versions of the bill have circulated through the legislature since 2008, according to community advocates.

Which Projects Will Be Impacted?

NJ DEP must now evaluate the environmental and public health risks of certain facilities on “overburdened” communities when reviewing new facility permit applications. These facilities include power plants, hazardous and solid waste facilities, landfills, scrap metal yards, sewage treatment centers, and medical waste incinerators with some exceptions.

The agency will now only be able to approve new or renew affected permits in the Garden State after determining that there is no disproportionate, cumulative environmental impacts on “overburdened” communities.

Complete Environmental Training—Live on Oct. 20–21

Are you responsible for environmental compliance? Join us October 20–21 for Complete Environmental Regulations webinar training, available live and from any internet connection. Complete your training in real time, ask questions of a real expert Lion instructor, and learn the critical environmental regulations that may impact your facility.

Or check out the latest online EPA compliance training options here:

Complete Environmental Regulations
Clean Air Act Regulations Online
TSCA Regulations Online
Clean Water Act & SDWA Regulations Online
Superfund and Right-to-Know Act Regulations Online

Tags: environmental justice bill, environmental protection, EPA, New Jersey, NJ, NJ DEP, NJ environmental justice

Find a Post

Search for:

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

Lion is at the top of the industry in compliance training. Course content and structure are updated frequently to make annual re-training enjoyable. I like that Lion has experts that I can contact for 1 year after the training.

Caroline Froning

Plant Chemist

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

I have attended other training providers, but Lion is best. Lion is king of the hazmat jungle!!!

Henry Watkins

Hazardous Waste Technician

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

One of the best trainings I have ever received!

Brandon Morfin

EH&S Manager

Very good. I have always appreciated the way Lion Tech develops, presents and provides training and materials.

John Troy

Environmental Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Four key considerations to help you maximize the convenience and quality of your experience with online training.

Download

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.