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DEP Chief outlines priorities but
warns of budget problems TRENTON, N.J. -- The state's new environmental chief says over the next two years her department plans to focus on improving energy efficiency and chemical plant security and preserving open space, but warned that budget problems could affect the department's work. Speaking to the state Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee, Lisa Jackson laid out her department's priorities for the next two years, but with some caveats. "The coming fiscal year is not going to be an easy one," Jackson said. "The DEP, as with all state government, must heed Gov. Corzine's call to find ways to do more with less." Jackson said one of the top environmental priorities of the Corzine administration is protecting people from a possible terrorist attack against the state's chemical industry. The state has eight chemical facilities where a "worst case" attack releasing chemicals could threaten more than a million people, she said. Other top priorities include making the state more energy efficient and conserving more energy in order to reduce pollution and save residents and businesses money. Jackson also said the department would like to preserve more open space, although that initiative would take capital. The department is also considering drafting legislation to improve the public's access to natural resources, including beaches. And Jackson said the department is drafting a bill that would make it easier for the state to enforce environmental statutes that were crafted in the 1970s and '80s, including those governing land use, pesticide control and water supply. Jackson applauded the committee for action it was taking Thursday on legislation to toughen penalties for people or companies who give false statements when violating environmental laws. The commissioner said she would soon visit a site in Ringwood where the Ford Motor Co. dumped tons of toxic paint sludge. The site has repeatedly been cleaned and declared safe, but more sludge is still being found. "There is a strong need to look again at how we define clean when we're talking about residential areas," Jackson said. Another recurring theme was the department's role in promoting recycling. Committee Chairman John F. McKeon, D-Essex, said that New Jersey, which used to be a leader in this area, has recently been falling short. Jackson acknowledged that New Jersey had not been as diligent about recycling as in the past and said her department would pursue it. Jackson has been with the DEP since 2002,
most recently as head of land use management, before being appointed by
Corzine to head the 3,440-peron department. Commissioner Jackson graciously accepted an invitation to speak at the AEA Spring Meeting. She assisted in distributing the Wave Awards and posed for photos. She addressed the attendees and indicated that she did not know everything about the programs as yet but was learning. In particular she was concentrating on the TMDL development process. She indicated a willingness to take a new look at the phosphorus issue. Alternative energy has her support and she intends to let science guide environmental protection. All these were welcome statements. She visited the Atlantic County UA Windfarm after the conference and listened to how the project was planned and the types of obstacles that needed to be overcome. We wish her success with the environmental challenges that face her and her staff. |