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

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

More thorough than a class I attended last year through another company.

Troy Yonkers

HSES Representative

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

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

Lion courses are the standard to which all other workshops should strive for!

Brody Saleen

Registered Environmental Health Specialist

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

The instructor created a great learning environment.

Avinash Thummadi

CAD & Environmental Manager

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

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

Larry Ybarra

Material Release Agent

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

This report details major changes for hazardous waste generators from US EPA’s Generator Improvements Rule, as well as the latest updates from states that are still working to adopt new, stricter Federal requirements.

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.