Archive for May, 2009

Grays Harbor's application is dismissed

Written by Mike Pisauro on May 13th, 2009 in Federal, Ocean, Renewable Energy, Wave & Tidal, Wind | No Comments »

I saw a post, at RenewablesOffshore regarding the memorandum of understanding between FERC and MMS.  As I noted previously these agencies have entered into a memorandum of understanding on the handling of offshore renewable energy projects.  As a result of the MOU, FERC has dismissed Grays Harbor’s application for a preliminary permit for a wave project off the coast of Atlantic City.  I wrote about Grays Harbor’s application here.   The dismissal at least deals with the objects filed by NJ Board of Public Utilities, EPA, Interior, several of the wind energy companies, and the New Jersey Environmental Lobby.  This clears the way to an organized way to move NJ’s goals of offshore renewable energy forward.

Also, this MOU opens the way for the final MMS’ rules to be adopted to regulate the offshore renewable energy projects.

Licensed Site Professionals Bill is now law

Written by Mike Pisauro on May 12th, 2009 in Clean Up, legislation | No Comments »

On Thursday, May 8th the Governor signed into law the licensed site professional bill (which I have written several times about).  While signing the bill the Governor also issued Executive Order 140 which is a clear indication that there are major problems with the LSP bill.

The EO provides that DEP must increase its auditing, monitoring and review of sites that have impacted groundwater, are to be used for residential, schools, childcare or playgrounds/ball fields.  The EO also requires that within the first 24 months DEP must perform at least one case review of documents submitted by every LSP.  Also, DEP is required to provide Technical Assistant grants (TAGS) to at least 5 environment groups per year to help deal with the LSPs.

Instead of conditionally vetoing this bill, the Governor issued this E.O. which can be undone by him at any time or by the next Governor.  Also, the site remediation program’s proposed budget is significantly cut from last year.  So even if there is a good faith desire to meet these requirements, if DEP does not have the resources, how can it comply with the E.O.?

Lastly, Acting Commissioner Moriello, during the budget hearings, has committed to having the temporary licensing and LSP board in place by the summer.  So that the private oversight of cleanups can move full steam ahead.  The question becomes when does the next Kiddie Kollege, W.R. Grace, etc. happen under this program and what will N.J. do in response?