The state Department of Environmental Protection, under Gov. Phil Murphy, will push for more clean energy, seek maximum funding for repairing the state’s drinking water infrastructure, and preserve a system - implemented under Gov. Christie - for quick decision-making on building permits.
This is according to newly confirmed DEP Commissioner Catherine McCabe, who addressed business leaders at a breakfast roundtable on June 19. The event was presented jointly by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and the New Jersey Business & Industry Association.
Clean Energy
“The key to a vibrant economy is a solid, strong and clean energy base,” McCabe said. “That’s why Gov. Murphy has made clean energy a priority.”
She said the Murphy administration’s clean energy agenda includes support of nuclear, solar and wind energy, and opposition to oil drilling off the coast. It also supports the state’s progress in converting coal-burning plants to natural gas facilities; and it will explore more incentives for electric vehicles, she said.
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Gov. Murphy plans to steer New Jersey back into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a cooperative effort among some northeastern states to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, McCabe said.
New Jersey’ re-entry into RGGI would require the participating states to agree on a reasonable cap on carbon emissions, so it does not result in a spike in energy rates, she added.
Drinking Water
What can’t be ignored is the state’s aging water infrastructure, McCabe said.
“If you look at the cost of repairing infrastructure, it’s daunting,” she said. “But we must invest as much as we can. It’s fundamental to the health of our citizens and it’s important for our economy.”
Quick Decisions on Building Permits
McCabe said she plans to continue a system, put in place at the DEP under Gov. Chris Christie, in which building permits for economic development are processed rapidly.
“We do take seriously the need to approve permits quickly,” she said. “We need to get it right, and get it fast. I think that is something the prior administration got right, and we don’t intend to change that.”
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