A new task force on development
Another committee is forming to address development issues, and environmentalists worry this one shows Gov. Corzine’s administration is poised to roll back environmental protections, the Star-Ledger is reporting.
The new task force, announced yesterday by DEP commissioner Lisa Jackson, will review the process by which developments are approved. Jackson’s announcement came just two weeks after reports by a DCA subcommittee suggested the state relax environmental rules to aid development. Jackson “dismissed any link to the DCA report,” says the Ledger:
“There is no connection… The timing is unfortunate. I held it awhile to try to give breathing space,” Jackson said.
Jackson said she has spoken to DCA Commissioner Joseph Doria about affordable housing and permitting issues, adding that they are “inseparable.” But she added, “It is a false choice to say we must pick the environment or affordable housing. It’s a false choice, one that never has to be made.”
The paper says the controversy is reminiscent of past battles over “fast-tracking” permits, which help builders and gall environmentalists.
Leave a Comment