Global warming tops environment issues

(May 9, 2008) Global warming and environmental justice were among the highprofile environmental issues this year. Measures ultimately approved include a global warming bill that was strongly opposed by businesses. It imposes mandatory, enforceable and aggressive statewide caps on the emissions of greenhouse gases — which will require significant reductions from current levels.

Lawmakers removed highly problematic components of the original bill that specified, in part, where the reductions should come from — including the manufacturing, energy and construction sectors. However, the final measure gives the Commissioner of Environmental Protection broad authority to adopt whatever regulations and policies are deemed necessary to achieve the reductions.

  For several years, lawmakers have sought to address concerns that some of the most important facilities serving the needs of the general population are disproportionally located in urban communities. These include most electricity-generating facilities, sewage treatment plants and landfills in addition to facilities designated as “major sources” of air emissions under the Clean Air Act.

Another approved measure requires those seeking to build or expand such facilities within an “environmental justice community” to obtain “meaningful public participation” and to consult with municipal officials regarding the potential for a including a community environmental benefit as part of the proposal.

Other issues that failed to gain approval include initiatives on DEP enforcement and responsible growth.

For more information about environmental and land use issues, contact CBIA’s Eric Brown at 860-244-1926 or eric.brown@cbia.com.