The Governor has recently signed new legislation dealing with the environment. Some of it is good and some of it is not so good. The following are the bills he has signed over the last couple of days:
Electronic Waste Recycling Act. Generally this law requires that computers, tv, monitors and some other electronic devices are recycled and not thrown away.
Certification program for renewable energy. P.L. 2007 c. 264. The law requires BPU to set up a certification program for installers of renewable energy systems.
State Green Buildings. P.L. 2007, c.269. The law requires all new governmental building of at least 15,000 square feet to meet either the silver rating from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System or two globes from th Green Globes Program.
Site remediation notice. P.L. 2007, c.276. The bill requires those performing site remediation to provide written notice to the county health department and local health agency. Also these agencies and municipality to request a copy of the remediation action work plan.
Public notice for shore protection projects. P.L. 2007, c.278. Requires DEP to hold a public meeting for comments on shore protection programs once the feasibility study is complete.
NJ Coastal and Ocean Protection Council. P.L. 2007, c.288. For more info see link.
Net Metering. P.L. 2007, c.300. Provides net metering to not only residential but industrial and large commercial customers. Also increases that amount of energy produced from renewable energy from 0.1% to 2.5% of the State’s peak energy level before a utility may cease providing for net metering.
Recycling Enhancement Act. P.L. 2007, c.311. The law reasserts the State’s commitment to recycling and funds municipal and county recycling programs through a $3.00 per ton charge on solid waste facilities.
There are several more bills which I will write about shortly.