I am pleased to report the results from the first national poll conducted by Environmental Studies Program in the College of Arts and Sciences at Seton Hall University. The poll found that 89 percent of respondents said that the environment and energy issues impact the quality of their family’s life a lot, while 7 percent said that it impacted them a little and only 3 percent said that it had no impact on them at all. This poll also found that 70 percent of the respondents are following the presidential election and the candidates’ positions on the environment and energy very closely.

Respondents believed that economic strength and environmental protection are linked, with 41 percent of all respondents stating that stronger environmental protection is more likely to help the economy. About a quarter of respondents (27 percent) believe that stronger environmental protection is more likely to hurt the economy. 

McKEON LAUDS ENERGY PLAN'S TWIN GOALS OF CLEAN POWER AND CONSERVATION

(WEST ORANGE) - Following Governor Jon S. Corzine's unveiling this morning of the state's long-range Energy Master Plan, Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee chairman John McKeon said the proposal not only passes muster for its focus on renewable, clean energy but for its spotlight on conservation.

GREENSTEIN/McKEON/VOSS LAW TO ENSURE NOTIFICATION OF PLANS TO CLEAN POLLUTED SITES TAKES EFFECT

(TRENTON) – A law sponsored by Assembly members Linda Greenstein, John McKeon and Joan Voss to ensure local officials and residents are properly notified when polluted buildings and properties are cleaned up has taken effect.

Highlands plan includes nothing to compensate landowners who will see property values plummet. It's unfair that local landowners are being asked to bear a burden that should be carried by the entire state.

GREENWALD/CRYAN 'PERMIT EXTENSION ACT'
CLEARS SECOND ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE HURDLE
Measure Would Extend Building Permits For Six Years;
Part of Stimulus Package to Help Business, Keep New Jersey Competitive

(TRENTON) - The Assembly Environmental And Solid Waste Committee today released legislation Assemblymen Louis Greenwald and Joseph Cryan sponsored that would extend the life of building permits for a maximum of four years for commercial and residential development projects stalled by the possible lack of funding or revenues due to the current economic downturn.

Two Lautenberg Bills to Protect Beaches and Oceans Pass Key Senate Committee

VAN DREW - REVITALIZING ECONOMY AND PROTECTING ENVIRONMENT SHOULD BE MAIN GOALS OF REVISED SITE REMEDIATION PROGRAM

TRENTON – Senator Jeff Van Drew, D-Cape May and Cumberland, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Environment Committee, issued the following statement regarding today’s joint hearing of the Legislative environmental panels regarding the DEP’s plan to reform New Jersey’s site remediation program:

WISNIEWSKI BILL TO IMPROVE ROADWAY WORKER, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ADVANCES

Measure Would Prohibit Manufacture, Sale, or Use of Reflective Roadway Glass Beads with High Arsenic Content

(TRENTON) - Legislation Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski sponsored to prohibit the use of reflective glass beads with high arsenic content in state roadway projects was released today by the Assembly Transportation, Public Works, and Independent Authorities Committee.

Lautenberg Introduces Legislation To Better Protect Nation From Oil Spills

FISHER: PURSE DEAL WILL PRESERVE
MORE THAN JUST HORSE RACING
Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Says $90 Million Agreement
Will Protect Open Space, Horse Breeding Farms

(BRIDGETON) - Assemblyman Douglas H. Fisher, chairman of the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, said the effects of yesterday's three-year $90 million agreement between casino operators and the state's horse-racing industry to supplement purses not only will preserve racing in New Jersey but farms and open space, as well.