- A summary of recent articles involving the Sierra Club New Jersey Chapter in local New Jersey news media.
- New EPA Rule Takes On Mercer’s Water Pollution, Says Sierra Club
- MercerMe.com
Mary Galioto, Mon, Dec 7, 2015.
New Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules regarding water pollution, from power plants, have been established that will control the amount of toxic heavy metal pollution power plants can dump into Mercer County waterways. Electric power plants without cooling towers, like the Mercer Generating Station in Trenton, are one of the... more... - DEP applies for $326 million in federal grants for bus garage and flood control projects in Meadowlands
- NorthJersey.com
Staff photo/Jaimie JUlia Winters
Meghan Grant, Mon, Dec 7, 2015.
Competing against 40 eligible cities and states, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is seeking a $326 million federal grant which it intends to put toward flood mitigation in the Meadowlands. It calls for the construction of earthen berms and concrete floodwalls in places like Carlstadt, East Rutherford and... more... - South Jersey Gas pipeline plan still fueling dispute, despite Pinelands Commission OK
- Newsworks.org
Carolyn Beeler, Mon, Dec 7, 2015.
The fight continues between South Jersey Gas and residents and environmental activists seeking to prevent the company from building a natural gas pipeline through the Pinelands. At a hearing Monday, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities heard public comments on the company's application to have local zoning laws waived for the 22-mile... more... - Christie administration overhauls sewer mapping rules
- NorthJersey.com
JAMES M. O'NEILL, Mon, Dec 7, 2015.
The Christie administration Monday issued a significant overhaul of the rules that local planning agencies use to map out sewer districts — a move that environmentalists warned will open the door to new development in environmentally sensitive areas, such as the Highlands region in North Jersey. The state Department of Environmental... more... - PennEast Opposition Yields Strong Intervener Turnout
- MercerMe.com
Mary Galioto, Mon, Dec 7, 2015.
The PennEast Pipeline motion to intervene with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) received over 1,500 interveners and supporters claiming an interest in the application and becoming a party to the approval litigation. It is predicted that the the number of interveners will continue to grow with those who file late, showing vast... more... - Hackensack River a step closer to federal Superfund designation
- NorthJersey.com
Staff Photographer/Mitsu Yasukawa
Meghan Grant, Mon, Dec 7, 2015.
A linchpin of the vibrant Meadowlands and left recovering from decades of industrial pollution, the Hackensack River may be closer to being declared a federal Superfund site. Such a designation could ultimately give momentum to a remediation project. To make that determination, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will conduct a sampling... more... - Signs of progress emerge on Hudson rail tunnel plan, but concern persists on finding $20B to fund it
- NorthJersey.com
RECORD File photo
CHRISTOPHER MAAG, Mon, Dec 7, 2015.
The latest plan for building a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River, which places the Port Authority in charge of building the $20 billion project, drew as many questions as it did compliments on Thursday, as transportation experts wondered about accountability, how taxpayers would be shielded from cost overruns and why the... more... - Proposed changes to New Jersey water rules prompt flood of criticism
- Newsworks.org
Joe Hernandez, Mon, Dec 7, 2015.
Residents and developers can build on flood-prone land in New Jersey, but it requires going through a rigorous permitting process first. According to the state Department of Environmental Protection, that process is too tough and needs to be relaxed. That is one of several rule changes proposed by the DEP earlier this year that has led to a... more... - Controversial Development Proposals for Liberty State Park Released
- NJTV News
Brenda Flanagan, Mon, Dec 7, 2015.
Imagine in your mind’s eye Liberty State Park — with its historic waterfront vistas — totally transformed into a modern venue including a convention center, hotel, extra restaurants and more. That’s how it’s envisioned by a new state report. Visitors of the park had mixed reviews of the new vision. “Yeah,... more... - New Jersey Future report shows DEP trying to sell LSP to highest bidder | Opinion
- NJ.com
Michael Dempsey | The Jersey Journal
Jersey Journal Guest Columnist , Sun, Dec 6, 2015.
By JEFF TITTEL On Friday night after the Thanksgiving holiday, the NJDEP sneaked out the anticipated report conducted by New Jersey Future to privatize Liberty State Park. The Christie Administration hired New Jersey Future to consult the report and the plan was deliberately kept secret up until a lawsuit forced DEP to release the documents.... more... - Lease Agreement Set for Wind Turbines off LBI
- Micromedia Publications
(Photo by Daniel Nee)
, Fri, Dec 4, 2015.
LONG BEACH ISLAND — One of two lease agreements awarded by the federal government will result in the construction of wind turbines off the coast of southern Ocean County. The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, an agency within the Department of the Interior, has announced that two swaths of ocean off the New Jersey coast will be... more... - Bear Hunt Begins Next Week: Still Lacking Proper Management Plan
- New Jersey News, Politics, Opinion, and Analysis
Jeff Tittel, Thu, Dec 3, 2015.
Bear Hunt Begins Next Week: Still Lacking Proper Management Plan On Monday the Black Bear hunting season will begin and last for six days, with the possibility of a four day extension if harvest objectives are not met. This has been an unseasonably warm season so we may see even more bears killed during this hunt. We’ve had hunts for the... more... - Protesters Hit the Statehouse Steps Prior to NJ Bear Hunt
- New Jersey News, Politics, Opinion, and Analysis
Max Pizarro, Thu, Dec 3, 2015.
TRENTON – It almost looked like someone intended to re-shoot the infamous 1967 Patterson-Gimlin footage outside the Statehouse this afternoon, but actually it was activist Edita Birnkrant dressed, not as Bigfoot, but as a bear. “FoA is tired of Gov. Christie deceiving the people of New Jersey, who are mostly... more... - Christie caused a crisis in leadership on NJ climate change issues | Letter
- NJ.com
Kathryn Brenzel | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Letters To The Editor | The Jersey Journal , Thu, Dec 3, 2015.
While world leaders are meeting at the United Nations conference to discuss action on climate change, Governor Christie is saying climate change is not a crisis. He said he is not relying on scientists to inform his opinion. Christie doesn't want to listen to the scientists because he doesn't believe in science. He only believes... more... - New Jersey Steers Clear of New Initiative to Reduce Transportation Pollution
- NJ Spotlight
Tom Johnson, Mon, Nov 30, 2015.
Another initiative to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from the largest source of carbon pollution in the region is taking shape among five states and the District of Columbia -- but not New Jersey. The agreement to develop a cooperative regional approach to cut emissions contributing to climate change from the transportation sector builds on... more... - Chris Christie changes on water rules draw critics
- Asbury Park Press
(Photo: AP)
Sat, Nov 28, 2015.
TRENTON — The state’s rules on where sewers can be extended will change under a proposal by Gov. Chris Christie’s administration, but environmentalists claim that will result in sprawl, overdevelopment and flooding. Areas newly approved for sewer service typically become targets for business and housing development. The... more... - Draft Energy Master Plan Credits Lower Prices on Increased Use of Natural Gas
- NJ Spotlight
Tom Johnson, Mon, Nov 23, 2015.
Click to expand/close In an upbeat update of the state’s Energy Master Plan, the Christie administration touts its effectiveness in reducing energy prices for consumers and businesses, an achievement it credits to an increasing reliance on natural gas. The plan claimed that the state’s vibrant and robust natural-gas infrastructure... more... - N.J. bullish on natural gas, not offshore wind
- Press of Atlantic City
MICHAEL MILLER, Staff Writer , Mon, Nov 23, 2015.
New Jersey released its revised Energy Master Plan on Friday, which calls for greater energy resiliency and puts less faith in offshore... more... - LETTER: Pilgrim Pipeline dangerous, unnecessary
- Daily Record
(Photo: Lee Ferris/Journal file)
Sun, Nov 22, 2015.
Pilgrim Pipeline has announced they will try to push a damaging and dangerous 178-mile pipeline in New Jersey by the end of the year. This project will carry 200,000 barrels of Bakken crude oil via two bi-directional pipelines each day and impact the drinking water supply for over three million people. Pilgrim would carry the most explosive... more... - Testimony Continues On Great Adventure’s Solar Array Impact
- Micromedia Publications
(Photo by The Jackson Times)
, Fri, Nov 20, 2015.
JACKSON — The attorney for several environmental groups had a chance to cross examine witnesses about Great Adventure’s (GA) solar array project. For several hours at a special Planning Board meeting November 9, attorney Michele Donato cross-examined witnesses on the geotech report, environmental impact statement and architectural... more... - Call for move to clean energy follows veto of Port Ambrose
- Independent
KAYLA J. MARSH , Thu, Nov 19, 2015.
LONG BRANCH — The New Jersey Chapter of the Sierra Club is calling for development of offshore wind energy to move the state toward a clean-energy future following the veto of a proposal for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) port off the coast of Long Branch. “The veto of this port is another step in the right direction for New Jersey to... more... - NRC Takes Step Toward Allowing Fourth Nuclear Plant in Salem County
- NJ Spotlight
Tom Johnson, Thu, Nov 19, 2015.
Click to open/close The possibility that a fourth nuclear power plant could be built in Salem County moved a step closer to reality with the release of the final Environmental Impact Statement on a potential site adjacent to the three units now at the location. The EIS released by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission found no major barriers to... more... - Pinelands Predicament
- New Jersey Monthly
Photo by Matthew Wright
Nick DiUlio, Thu, Nov 19, 2015.
It’s a hot August afternoon, and Joseph Koch sweats in the sun as he files the edges on a piece of sheet metal outside his garage off Route 49. Koch is an artist. Hot rods are his canvas. Custom lettering, pinstripes and decals are his art. He lives in Somers Point, but has been working alone in Tuckahoe for more than 20 years.... more... - Albany to New Jersey pipeline takes another step forward
-
(AP Photo/Mike Groll, File)
Scott Waldman , Wed, Nov 18, 2015.
ALBANY — A proposed pipeline that would carry crude oil from Albany to New Jersey moved another step forward on Wednesday. Developers of the 178-mile Pilgrim pipeline submitted permits in New York with the state Thruway Authority. The pipeline would be two separate, parallel underground lines that would run about 116 miles in New York,... more... - Assembly Panel Seeks to Pull Plug on State DEP’s Water Regulations
- NJ Spotlight
Tom Johnson, Tue, Nov 17, 2015.
Legislation to prevent the adoption of a new proposal that critics say will increase pollution and lead to more flooding easily cleared an Assembly committee yesterday. The resolution ( SCR-180 /ACR-249) only needs to be approved by the full Assembly to force the Department of Environmental Protection to withdraw the rule, proposed in June by... more... - New policy in hand, state to hold bear hunt Dec. 7-12
- Daily Record
(Photo: Bob Karp/Staff Photographer)
Tue, Nov 17, 2015.
The state Department of Environmental Protection announced Monday that it has formally adopted a black bear-management policy that includes a continuation of the annual December hunting season, which will run this year from Dec. 7 to 12. The policy, previously approved by the New Jersey Fish and Game Council and signed by DEP Commissioner Bob... more... - State, environmentalists differ over health of Barnegat Bay
- Courier-Post
(Photo: ASBURY PARK PRESS FILE)
Tue, Nov 17, 2015.
TOMS RIVER - New Jersey officials and environmentalists have vastly different assessments of the health of Barnegat Bay. The state Environmental Protection Department on Tuesday presented three years of scientific data that it says shows the bay is healthy overall, with problems such as pollution and stinging jellyfish in spots. Environmental... more... - NJ passes plan to expand bear hunt
- Asbury Park Press
(Photo: Bob Karp/Staff Photographer)
Tue, Nov 17, 2015.
TRENTON - A state environmental agency has passed a plan to add new bear hunting areas and allow the use of bows and arrows. The state’s Fish and Game Council approved the policy in August, and the state Department of Environmental Protection approved the plan on Monday. “Hunting is an important tool in maintaining an ecological... more... - NJDEP Promotes Failed Shellfish Policy
- New Jersey News, Politics, Opinion, and Analysis
Jeff Tittel, Mon, Nov 16, 2015.
NJDEP Promotes Failed Shellfish Policy The Christie Administration has proposed changes to the state’s shellfish-safety program without increasing inspectors and water quality safety. It is also of concern that the NJDEP has proposed a Shellfish Growing Water Classification Rule for hard clams, surf clams, ocean quahogs, oysters,... more... - Christie Gives Honeywell a ‘Honey’ of a Deal
- New Jersey News, Politics, Opinion, and Analysis
Jeff Tittel, Mon, Nov 16, 2015.
Christie Gives Honeywell a ‘Honey’ of a Deal Honeywell and Governor Christie had a ribbon cutting ceremony today for the construction of their new headquarters largely subsidized by the Administration. This “incentive plan” is just another giveaway of taxpayer money despite lack of funding for some of the state’s... more... - Environmental Group Increases Opposition To Pipeline
- Micromedia Publications
(Photo by Jennifer Peacock)
, Fri, Nov 13, 2015.
Environmentalists have warned residents to band together and oppose a pipeline that a gas company says is meant to prevent service interruptions during storms. But, the environmentalists say, residents should not simply oppose the pipeline’s location, as was previously protested, but that they should oppose the plans outright. New... more... - LETTER: Christie blocking offshore wind
- The Daily Journal
(Photo: Illustration provided)
Fri, Nov 13, 2015.
The Department of Interior has auctioned off 343,833 acres of federal waters of the coast of Atlantic City for commercial wind development. Two companies have won the bids and they’re ready to move forward with offshore wind. With these leases, it’s no longer a matter of if we will have offshore wind, but when. Having these... more... - Activists make last stand for Port Ambrose veto
- Atlanticville
Thu, Nov 12, 2015.
Environmental activists have one last chance to stop a proposed liquefied natural gas facility by calling on Gov. Chris Christie to veto the Port Ambrose Deepwater Port, which they say would put coastal communities at risk. “This has been a seven-year battle for us,” Cindy Zipf, executive director of Clean Ocean Action, said at... more... - Offshore natural gas pipeline project vetoed by N.Y. Gov. Cuomo
- NJ.com
MaryAnn Spoto | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
MaryAnn Spoto | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com , Thu, Nov 12, 2015.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo vetoed the Port Ambrose terminal project, a proposal that would have sited a liquefied natural gas terminal 24 miles off the coast of New Jersey. To the delight of environmental groups, the action kills the project, which has been in the application phase with the federal government for more than two years.... more... - Why New Jersey can't investigate Exxon like New York is | Opinion
- NJ.com
Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal
Jersey Journal Guest Columnist , Thu, Nov 12, 2015.
By JEFF TITTEL There has been a recent scandal exposing Exxon for deliberately lying about climate change. Exxon withheld important information showing climate change was real, while covering it up just like the Tobacco Industry did years ago. Meanwhile, there is another scandal in New Jersey, which is the deliberate cover up of... more... - Two firms win federal leases for possible wind farms off South Jersey
- Press of Atlantic City
BRIAN IANIERI, Staff Writer , Tue, Nov 10, 2015.
Wind turbines seven miles off South Jersey’s coast got a step closer to reality Monday... more... - Blue Acres Funding Removed From Open Space Bill
- New Jersey News, Politics, Opinion, and Analysis
Jeff Tittel, Tue, Nov 10, 2015.
Blue Acres Funding Removed From Open Space Bill Yesterday S2769 (Smith), which sets funding for different open space programs, was released by Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee with a vote of 7-4. The Sierra Club opposes this bill because we believe it is has the wrong priorities. This bill implements 2014 constitutional dedication... more... - LETTER: Keystone pipeline dead, Pilgrim pipeline up next
- Asbury Park Press
(Photo: Larry W. Smith, European Press)
Tue, Nov 10, 2015.
President Barack Obama is an environmental hero for rejecting the Keystone XL pipeline, which would have carried 800,000 barrels a day of petroleum from the Canada oil sands to the Gulf Coast. This is a huge victory for not only the environment, but for climate change and clean energy. Secretary of State John Kerry determined the project... more... - Proposed ocean gas terminal off N.J., N.Y. coast faces opposition
- Daily Record
(Photo: Liberty Natural Gas/AP)
Mon, Nov 9, 2015.
LONG BEACH, N.Y. - Environmentalists and some residents of coastal communities are fighting a proposed liquefied natural gas transfer point in the waters off New York and New Jersey, saying it could endanger the environment and be a tempting target for terrorists. But Canada-based Liberty Natural Gas LLC says the proposal to develop the... more... - Sierra Club Celebrates Enviro Leaders and Volunteer
- New Jersey News, Politics, Opinion, and Analysis
Jeff Tittel, Mon, Nov 9, 2015.
Sierra Club Celebrates Enviro Leaders and Volunteer Princeton, NJ – The New Jersey Sierra Club hosted their Annual Appreciation Day event yesterday to recognize the great work being done by Sierra Club volunteers, lawmakers and activists to protect New Jersey’s environment. The Sierra Club is the nation’s largest... more... - New reef rules a 'compromise' for N.J. fishing
- Philly.com
Jacqueline L. Urgo , Thu, Nov 5, 2015.
Commercial fishermen off the coast of New Jersey will be able to continue to access portions of two artificial reefs, and a new reef is to be constructed for the exclusive use of recreational fishing, under regulations announced Wednesday by the state Department of Environmental Protection. New Jersey has a long-established history of using... more... - Battle resumes at New Jersey hearing over ocean gas terminal
- The Washington Times
(AP Photo/Wayne Parry, File)
WAYNE PARRY, Wed, Nov 4, 2015.
EATONTOWN, N.J. (AP) - Opponents of a proposed terminal for liquefied natural gas imports off the New Jersey and New York coasts blasted the plan Wednesday as a dirty, dangerous boondoggle, while supporters hailed it as a source of cheap energy that will lower home heating bills in winter. Liberty Natural Gas says a recently completed... more... - Opponents Say Port Ambrose Natural Gas Facility Is Dangerous; Backers Say It Will Lower Heating Costs
- CBS New York
Wed, Nov 4, 2015.
EATONTOWN, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Opponents of a proposed terminal for liquefied natural gas imports off the New Jersey and New York coasts blasted the plan Wednesday as a dirty, dangerous boondoggle. But supporters hailed it as a source of cheap energy that will lower home heating bills in winter. Liberty Natural Gas said a... more... - More Than 1,440 Seek Permission to Join FERC's PennEast Gas-Pipeline Case
- NJ Spotlight
Tom Johnson, Tue, Nov 3, 2015.
In a sign of the widespread opposition the project faces, more than 1,440 property owners, government agencies, and interest groups are seeking to intervene in the proposed PennEast pipeline case before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The 118-mile natural-gas pipeline beginning in Luzerne County in Pennsylvania, crossing the... more... - Fear for N.J.'s crumbling roads as feds weigh allowing heavier trucks
- NJ.com
Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com , Tue, Nov 3, 2015.
New Jersey's potholed roads and sagging bridges would get even worse under a federal proposal to raise the weight limit on tractor trailers, opponents of the measure say. Rep. Reid Ribble (R-Wisconsin) wants to raise the weight limit from 80,000 pounds to 91,000 pounds, asserting that the higher weight limit per truck would allow... more... - Three Years After Sandy, No 'Buyouts' in Flood-Prone Ocean County
- Brick, NJ Shorebeat
(Photo: Daniel Nee)
Daniel Nee , Mon, Nov 2, 2015.
On the three-year anniversary of the landfall of Superstorm Sandy on the New Jersey coastline, state officials announced the buyout of three homes in Linden under the Blue Acres program, in which the state purchases flood-prone properties and preserves them from future development. About 40 homes in the North Jersey town have been identified... more... - Rebuilding continues in New Jersey 3 years after Sandy
- The Morning Call
kathy willens / ap file photo
Wayne Parry , Thu, Oct 29, 2015.
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — New Jersey took stock of its recovery from Superstorm Sandy on Thursday, the third anniversary of the deadly storm, citing significant progress that has been made even as many residents still struggle to return home. The Oct. 29, 2012, storm destroyed homes, splintered boardwalks and put many businesses out of... more... - At State House Rally, ‘Greens’ Vow to Fight Back Against DEP Rollbacks
- NJ Spotlight
Tom Johnson, Wed, Oct 28, 2015.
Elliot Ruga, policy director of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition Saying the drinking water of half the state is threatened, a coalition of environmental groups yesterday vowed to fight a new rule proposal that they fear would open up portions of the Highlands to increased development. In a rally on the State House steps, most of New... more... - Sierra Club Endorsements for State Assembly
- New Jersey News, Politics, Opinion, and Analysis
Jeff Tittel, Wed, Oct 28, 2015.
Sierra Club Endorsements for State Assembly The Sierra Club has announced its endorsements for New Jersey State Legislature candidates running in the November 3, 2015 election. “We believe the candidates we endorsed for election and re-election fight for the environment on a day-to-day basis. The incumbents we endorsed are people who have... more... - People have rights; pipelines are wrong | Letter
- NJ.com
Sallie Graziano | For NJ.com
Hunterdon County Democrat , Wed, Oct 28, 2015.
To the editor: This letter is in response to a letter from a Hunterdon County resident regarding the PennEast Pipeline. The people in the Delaware Valley do not want PennEast Pipeline to cut an ugly scar through their communities, destroy environmentally sensitive area and put their homes and farms at risk. That is why every town and 70-percent... more... - NJ Falling Behind Other States in Energy-Efficiency Efforts, Report Says
- NJ Spotlight
Tom Johnson, Tue, Oct 27, 2015.
Click to expand/close When it comes to saving residential and business customers money by reducing energy use and boosting energy efficiency, New Jersey continues to lag behind other states, a new study suggests. In a state-by-state ranking of energy-savings efforts by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, New Jersey slipped... more... - Environmental groups protest DEP rule change at State House
- Capital New York
(AP Photo/Wayne Parry)
Katherine Landergan , Tue, Oct 27, 2015.
TRENTON — Environmental groups rallied Tuesday on the steps of the State House against a proposed Department of Environmental Protection rule change they argue will dramatically increase development in the Highlands region. Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, said that the updated Water Quality Management Planning Rule... more... - New Jersey Signs On to Suit Challenging Legality of EPA Clean Power Plan
- NJ Spotlight
Tom Johnson, Mon, Oct 26, 2015.
Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C. Back in 2007, New Jersey joined what proved to be the winning side of a lawsuit that forced the federal Environmental Protection Agency to regulate the greenhouse-gas emissions that contribute to climate change. This past Friday, however, the Christie administration joined 23 other... more... - DEP water management plan would harm Highlands, environmentalists say
- NJ.com
Ben Horowitz | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com , Mon, Oct 26, 2015.
A new water quality management rule proposed by the state Department of Environmental Protection would weaken safeguards, especially against sewerage, and would increase development in the water-rich Highlands region, according to environmentalists. The 288-page rule , released last Monday, is consistent with the governor's goal of... more... - Senate Rejects Proposed Environmental Rules Impacting Water Quality In New Jersey
- CBS New York
Sat, Oct 24, 2015.
NEW JERSEY (CBSNewYork) — The New Jersey Senate has voted to override proposed environmental rules, which opponents say would hurt water quality and increase flooding risks. As WCBS 880’s Kelly Waldron reported, environmental officials are defending the rules, claiming they were designed to streamline a regulatory process that... more... - 11/12/2015
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