Search

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

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

I really enjoy your workshops. Thank you for such a great program and all the help Lion has provided me over the years!

George Chatman

Hazardous Material Pharmacy Technician

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

The online course was well thought out and organized, with good interaction between the student and the course.

Larry Ybarra

Material Release Agent

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In most cases, injuries that occur at work are work-related and must be recorded to maintain compliance with OSHA regulations. This report shows you the 9 types of injuries you don’t record.

Latest Whitepaper

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.