New Jersey lawmakers consider the cost of environmental rules

    One of New Jersey Governor Christie’s goals is to eliminate red tape for businesses. Today lawmakers in Trenton will discuss whether the state has the same focus when it comes to weighing the costs of environmental protection.

    Assembly environment committee chairman John McKeon says the rules and regulations contribute to New Jersey’s high property taxes, and some of those mandates may no longer be necessary.

    “There’s usually good policy reason behind them but certainly everything is expensive,” he says. “So we need to take a real good look at that and determine what we can continue to afford to do and what might just be a luxury.”

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    McKeon says some of the rules may be changed or scrapped to help localities save money. The hearing is part of lawmakers’ consideration of Governor Christie’s package of proposed reforms to reduce local government expenses. Senate President Steve Sweeney says he expects to have legislation drafted for lawmakers to vote on in October.

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