N.J. appeals court decision underscores changing nature of state’s environmental laws

A New Jersey appeals court ruling last week found the state overstepped its authority in ordering an industrial outfit to certify that its property was not contaminated before it could be closed or sold.

According to NJ Spotlight reporter Tom Johnson, the three-judge panel ruled that the requirement adopted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is inconsistent with laws approved by the Legislature aimed at streamlining the regulatory process and minimizing “government involvement in certain business transactions.”

While the case revolved around a manufacturer in Livingston that handled small quantities of hazardous waste, Johnson says the decision has underscored the changing nature of the state’s tough environmental laws, which were once regarded as among the strictest in the nation.

In this week’s NJ Spotlight podcast, Johnson explains the state’s current laws and where they fall behind when it comes to environmental issues in New Jersey.

Is there a question you would have asked? Tell us in the comments below.

You can listen to the podcast using the audio link above this story.