THE STATE WE’RE IN: Acting Gov. Codey’s ‘can do’ list for a greener 2005

THE STATE WE’RE IN By Michele S. Byers Ways to preserve the environmental integrity of our state.

   The new year brings a fresh start. For New Jersey’s acting governor, Richard Codey, it’s a chance to do much good for New Jersey’s environment. So just what can he do?
   First and foremost, he can repeal the damaging Fast Track Act.
   As a trade-off for the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act, the state Legislature passed a so-called "smart growth" act to make it easier to build in areas targeted for future growth. But in reality, the act fast-tracks development for much of the state, threatening to drastically compromise existing environmental, health and due-process standards.
   Before leaving office, then-Gov. James McGreevey slowed down the start of "fast track" for six months. A group of state senators and assemblymen also drafted a bill to repeal "fast track." If he does nothing else for New Jersey in 2005, Gov. Codey must work with these legislators and others to pass the repeal before New Jersey is placed on the fast track to more sprawl.
   Gov. Codey can accept Citgo’s offer to clean up and donate Petty’s Island in Pennsauken Township, Camden County, for a new urban park.
   The last bit of open space in the region, and the fourth largest island in the Delaware River, Petty’s Island is home to nesting bald eagles, as well as endangered and nonendangered wildlife. Pennsuaken Township, however, is backing a development plan for 700 homes, a hotel and conference center and a golf course on the island, and is threatening to condemn the land.
   Gov. Codey can short-circuit these development plans, save an environmental treasure for the region around Camden and Philadelphia, and create a legacy along the lines of Liberty State Park in Jersey City.
   And Petty’s Island highlights the need for better rules to preserve endangered species. Would you believe that in the 30 years since New Jersey passed a law protecting endangered species, a complete set of rules to implement the law has never been issued? Draft rules exist, and Gov. Codey can release them for public review and adoption.
   Gov. Codey can protect forest habitat by fixing our Farmland Assessment Program. Currently, farmland assessment rules treat forests as agricultural crops and encourage the cutting of timber, frequently resulting in lost biodiversity and native plant regeneration. New rules would encourage better forest stewardship and habitat restoration.
   Lastly, the acting governor can implement the State Plan. Former governors, including Kean, Florio, Whitman, DiFrancesco and McGreevey, took steps toward bringing state agency policies and programs in closer alignment with our smart-growth State Development and Redevelopment Plan, but much more could be done to make sure the State Plan has an impact on sprawl.
   These actions would dramatically improve New Jersey’s environment for 2005, and ultimately make for a better quality of life for New Jerseyans. What better legacy could a governor hope for?
   I hope you’ll contact me at 1-888-LAND-SAVE or [email protected], or visit NJCF’s Web site at www.njconservation.org, for more information about conserving New Jersey’s precious land and natural resources.
Michele S. Byers is executive director of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation.