Prohibits NJT from making major alterations to rail yards located near certain environmentally sensitive areas.
Impact
If enacted, this bill will require NJT to obtain specific written authorization from the Governor, following consultations with the Department of Environmental Protection and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, for any major alterations. This requirement aims to ensure that significant environmental considerations are taken into account before any adjustment is made to rail yard facilities that may impact sensitive ecosystems. The bill is expected to add an additional layer of oversight to NJT's operations, potentially delaying projects as consultations and approvals become necessary.
Summary
Senate Bill 457 is a measure aimed at enhancing environmental protection by prohibiting the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT) from making significant alterations, renovations, or improvements to rail yards located in or near sensitive environmental areas. Primarily, the bill seeks to restrict modifications to rail yards situated within coastal areas, those that drain into the Barnegat Bay Estuary watershed, or any rail yard that is within 1,000 feet of designated wetlands and tidal bodies. The intention behind this legislation is to safeguard these critical ecological zones from potentially harmful industrial activities associated with rail yard modifications.
Contention
While the bill is largely in favor of environmental conservation, it may face opposition from stakeholders involved in transit and infrastructure development who may argue that such stringent regulations could hinder the necessary upgrades and improvements to transportation facilities. Proponents of the bill highlight the importance of protecting water quality and biodiversity in the affected areas, while critics may contend that the bill could unnecessarily limit NJT’s operational capabilities, which could, in turn, affect public transit services in New Jersey.
Excludes permit applications for construction of certain pipelines and related infrastructure from eligibility for automatic approval if DEP fails to take action on application within 90 days.
Excludes permit applications for construction of certain pipelines and related infrastructure from eligibility for automatic approval if DEP fails to take action on application within 90 days.
Authorizes performance of supplemental environmental project to replace portion of monetary penalties for environmental violations in certain circumstances.
Authorizes performance of supplemental environmental project to replace portion of monetary penalties for environmental violations in certain circumstances.
California Environmental Quality Act: State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection: vegetation treatment program: final program environmental impact report.
Provides tax credit under corporation business tax and gross income tax for certain costs incurred in purchase and installation of certain environmentally responsible business equipment.