New Jersey Assembly Bill A2312

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Requires consideration of ecotourism when evaluating and ranking applications by local government units or qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organizations for acquisition or development of lands for recreation and conservation purposes.

Impact

This bill may significantly impact state laws regarding the evaluation and ranking of projects under the Green Acres Program. By incorporating ecotourism as a criterion, the bill encourages a shift towards assessing the economic potential of projects in addition to their environmental merits. This could lead to increased funding and support for local initiatives that align with ecotourism principles, potentially revitalizing areas that are economically disadvantaged but rich in natural resources.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2312 aims to amend the existing Green Acres Program by requiring that applications for the acquisition or development of lands for recreation and conservation purposes by local government units or tax-exempt nonprofit organizations consider the potential for ecotourism. The intention behind this addition is to promote sustainable tourism practices that can benefit local economies while encouraging the protection and preservation of natural resources.

Contention

Notably, there may be contention regarding the inclusion of ecotourism in the evaluation criteria, as stakeholders may have differing opinions on its implementation and effectiveness. Critics may argue that this focus could divert attention from other critical aspects of land conservation, such as biodiversity and habitat protection. Supporters, however, may advocate that ecotourism can provide much-needed funding for conservation efforts and enhance community engagement with natural spaces.