**Updated on July 2, 2012 to add related news story**
6Environmental organizations fought it all the way but a bill extending to 2014 the lives of expiring local and state building permits to help developers in a down economy has passed both houses of state legislature.
A-1338 is now on the desk of Gov. Chris Christie, who is expected to sign it.
Prior to final passage, the legislation was amended in both houses to assuage environmentalists’ concerns about development in the state’s environmentally sensitive Highlands area.
The final vote on the measure in the Assembly was 66-7 and 35-1 in the Senate.
Despite the concessions, the Sierra Club immediately labeled the measure as “one of the worst bills ever passed by
the Legislature.”
According to the organization’s state director, Jeff Tittel:
sensitive areas throughout New Jersey especially the Highlands, Pinelands, and
Barnegat Bay. This legislation takes the side of developers interests over
public interest. It takes the side of sprawl and over development over protecting
water supply and natural resources.”
The size of the votes in both houses suggest that Mr. Tittel may be overreacting.
Another Extension of the Permit Extension Act
No Senate vote on NJ waiver and permit extension bills
NJ Senate voting today on permit extensions and waivers
***********************************************************************************************************
Our most recent posts:
An investigation with election & enviro (maybe) impact
Fate of NJ solar industry rescue bill now up to Governor
Enviro-engineering firm, HRP Associates, expands to Pa.
NJ lawmakers send fracking water ban to Gov. Christie
Fracking making news again today in NJ, NY and PA
