New Jersey Environmental Lobby Newsletter April-June 2009

NJEL Supports the Keep-It-Green Coalition's Campaign
for Open Space Preservation - by Brenda Holzinger

New Jersey's Keep It Green Coalition continues the fight to protect open space in our garden state. At press time, the state legislature is deciding whether or not to put a $600 million dollar temporary Garden State Preservation Trust Fund replenishment bond on the ballot for voters this November.

Although nearly every environmentalist in the state would prefer a permanent constitutionally protected source of funding for the GSPT, the Keep It Green Coalition is doing all it can to support the bond measure because it appears to be the best compromise in light of the current economic uncertainty and many other difficulties facing New Jersey.

On June 4th, the NJ legislature allocated the last remaining GSPT funds, which were appropriated as a result of the successful 2007 bond measure. The measure currently under consideration by the legislature (A3901 and S1858: The Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2009) would allow the state's voters to decide if a $600 million bond to replenish the GSPT for another 3 years should be authorized. Although the KIG coalition released a poll in April showing strong support for such a measure, it is important to remember that the 2007 GSPT bond measure passed statewide by a rather narrow margin and failed in some counties.

June 30th is the deadline for the state legislature to pass A3901 and S1858 so that voters may choose whether or not to authorize the bond measure on the November ballot.

As a member of the Keep-It-Green Coalition (KIG), led by the New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) NJEL supports the position that absent any other realistic funding source in the current economic climate, a bond issue is preferable to no funding at all. While the economic downturn has dampened enthusiasm for bonding obligations, one positive result is that land prices and interest rates are at historic lows. Developers have farms and other vacant parcels within their sights. Land acquisition and preservation negotiations are lengthy. At the same time, owners who wish to (or who, for personal financial reasons, must) sell their property, will not wait forever. Without the expectation that funds are in place, towns, counties, and land conservation groups will not be able to complete transactions already planned and cannot in good faith initiate others. Open space and critical habitats will be lost forever to development.
For more information visit the KIG Coalition website at http://www.njkeepitgreen.org/.

Federal Funding Commitment Increased for ARC Commuter Rail Tunnel - by Linda Dickman

President Obama has included the ARC Mass Transit Tunnel in the administration's 2010 federal budget. The project will receive another $200 million, bringing the federal funding commitment to almost $400 million.

The Mass Transit Tunnel will double train capacity between New Jersey and New York, taking approximately 22,000 cars a day off our overcrowded highways. The project will require over 6,000 construction-related jobs and will create 44,000 permanent jobs when it's completed.

In the face of increased ridership, capacity constraints make it impossible for NJ Transit and Amtrak to increase their scheduled trips using the existing 100 year-old two-track commuter rail tunnel under the Hudson River. The new tunnel will double the capacity during peak times from 23 trains per hour to 48.

The additional tunnel will also eliminate the need for transfers for NJ Transit customers on the Main/Bergen County, Port Jervis, Pascack Valley, Montclair-Boonton west of Montclair State University, Morris and Essex west of Dover, Raritan Valley and North Jersey Coast south of Long Branch. The "one-seat" (direct) rides will shorten trip time to New York and will encourage new ridership.

NJEL has selected Michael Hunninghake, NJEL member and Chairman of the Bordentown City Environmental Commission as its 2009 Volunteer of the Year. While NJEL usually chooses an individual who has devoted extensive time to NJEL projects, during the evaluation of Bordentown's Green Town application it became clear that Mike is devoted to his town's environment. His objective is a sustainable, attractive environment that also benefits the town's economy. Mike supports a number of organizations in addition to NJEL and he and his wife Margaret O'Gorman lead by example. Since Mike was unable to attend the Awards Reception, watch for the announcement of the presentation event.

New Jersey Highlands Coalition Objects to Request for Exemption for Additional Gas Pipeline through the Highlands
- By Brenda Holzinger & Anne Poole

Tennessee Gas Pipeline, a member of El Paso Corporation's Pipeline Group, seeks to build a $750 million 16-mile underground pipeline loop that would extend from Wantage Township in Sussex County to the Borough of Ringwood's border with New York in Passaic County. El Paso Corporation owns the largest natural gas pipeline system (42,000 miles) in the U.S. The new pipeline would run next to an existing line, which would remain in service during construction so consumers will not experience interruptions in natural gas service. Construction of this will require expansion of TGP's existing right-of-way. This will disturb some of the most ecologically sensitive areas of the protected Highlands Region. To carry out the project, TGP has requested an exemption from complying with the Highlands Regional Master Plan. At an information open house in West Milford in January, TGP representatives informed area residents that construction will require blasting for about 80% of the 16-mile pipeline, or nearly 13 miles. For TGP's public information about the project, visit the company's website at http://www.elpaso.com/tgp300lineproject/.

Exemptions to the regulations and plans that implement the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act are delineated in the Act . In written comments to DEP, the New Jersey Highlands Coalition objected to an exemption on several grounds, including TGP's disregard of the language in the very exemption it wishes to invoke that the "activity is consistent with the goals and purposes of this act."

The Coalition's objections to TGP's rationale in its request for a Highlands Applicability Determination are specific and indicate an understanding of both the project's impact and the provisions of the Act. Among the numerous points challenged by the Coalition was TGP's assertions that "The natural beauty of the Highlands will be preserved based on the underground nature of the Project facilities."

While the infrastructure may be underground, the excavation required will cause significant environmental disturbance. TGP states that it will follow "FERC-approved" restoration plans & procedures. Unfortunately, these do not include replanting of trees or management of invasive plant species.*

TGP's request does not address the construction of 1000 feet of pipeline across a reservoir and does not explain access requirements and their possible impacts. TGP is also requesting a ruling before field surveys are conducted to determine presence of threatened and endangered species and before impact avoidance and/or mitigation measures are approved.

TGP has not made public the results of any cultural and historical resources studies, and the impacts upon such resources. These are a necessary part of any HAD application and/or any Consistency Determination of the Highlands Council. It should be noted that FERC does not require public disclosure of such information and TGP has repeatedly mentioned that it is under the jurisdiction of FERC.

The objections described above are only some of those raised by the Coalition. NJEL believes that this project should not be expedited by ignoring its impact on the Highlands. It certainly should not be expedited without the provision of complete information by TGP. NJEL was happy to be invited to sign on to the Coalition's comments to DEP.

All-terrain/off-road Vehicle (ORV) Enforcement - At press time, bills (S-2005/A823) described in previous newsletters were being considered in the NJ Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee. The intent of the bills is to stop the destruction caused by off-road vehicles in state forests and parks as well as unauthorized intrusion into private lands. The bills would require registration of a variety of off-road vehicles operated on public lands and empower NJDEP to make and enforce rules about their use. The bills would require operators to obtain the permission of property owners prior to use of such vehicles on private lands. The bills also address safety issues and operation of vehicles by riders under 18 years old. The bills provide for revenue from registration fees to be used to provide safety education programs and to establish a dedicated ORV park. Approval by the Committee will clear the way for a vote and, hopefully, passage by the full Legislature.

Bills referred to as "Cash for Clunkers" were introduced in the U. S. House and Senate. On the surface, the intent to remove low mileage, high emission vehicles from the roads is good, but our Legislative Director Mike Pisauro's review of the competing bills revealed a number of flaws, not the least of which is the high price tag ($1 billion) to the Federal government in a time of high budget deficits. H.R. 2751, with the lofty title "Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act" passed on a fast track in the House. H.R. has a multi-tier scheme for vouchers to owners who trade in gas-guzzlers and purchase new higher mileage cars. The mileage improvements supported by this bill are inadequate, however, starting at a paltry 2 mpg. To be eligible, the old car must get 18 mpg or less. This means that vehicles that achieve less than the existing fuel efficiency standards would qualify, while contributing relatively little to fuel efficiency improvements.

In an interview for Fox News WOR TV (New York) Mike's assessment was that Senate Bill S-247 is preferable to the House bill H.R. 2751 in that S-247 at least sets the floor for qualifying vehicles at 25% greater than the fuel efficiency standard. The Senate bill would also allow public transit operators to redeem vouchers for individuals who dispose of a qualifying car and wish to use the funds for transit fares. All in all, however, the bills seem to be designed to benefit the automobile industry, and in a way that will require complicated administration. Neither would benefit those who do not have a gas-guzzler for trade in or who have already been responsible and purchased a fuel-efficient vehicle. Paraphrasing Mike's comment to WOR TV, "call it what it is-a stimulus bill for the auto industry, not an environmental bill."

The 2009 NJEL Environmental Awards Reception took place on April 21 at Seton Hall University -

Former Governor James Florio, below, presents NJEL's 2009 Frank Oliver Environmental Award to Jim Lanard, Managing Director at Deepwater Wind, LLC, a partner in the development of New Jersey's off-shore wind farm pilot project. Jim Lanard is a former Executive Director of NJEL and of the Philadelphia Clean Air Council. In his career, Jim has helped corporations establish environmental policies and he has worked for the success of renewable energy projects. Both professionally and personally, he has promoted environmental responsibility. Jim is a long-time member of NJEL.

Nick Corcodilos, below, former Mayor of Clinton Township, receives the Frank Oliver Environmental Award from NJEL Trustee and Executive Director of the NJ Highlands Coalition Julia Somers. In addition to numerous environmental initiatives that will benefit his own municipality, Hunterdon County, and municipalities statewide, Mr. Corcodilos led the successful effort to prevent overdevelopment while fulfilling the town's affordable housing obligations. Clinton Twp's affordable housing plan will provide an attractive, healthful environment to affordable housing residents.

At the NJEL Awards Reception, The Environmental Legacy Award was presented to Jane Morton Galetto by Jim Shissias, below, NJEL member and Trustee of the New Jersey Audubon Society. Ms. Galetto is the co-founder and President of Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc., headquartered in Millville, NJ
Jane is a member of numerous Boards and Coalitions, including NJ's Endangered and Nongame Species Advisory Committee. She is the winner of numerous awards and, we are proud to say, a member of NJEL!

At the NJEL Awards Reception on April 21, honored guest Jim Lanard surprised us with a wonderful announcement. Jim challenged other guests and NJEL members to match a total of $1000 donated by him and his wife Jeanne Gorman. Jim intends this grant to be used to devise a partnership plan between NJEL and renewable energy firms to advance the development and use of renewable energy. Very appropriately, NJEL Board member and Rowan University Professor of Engineering Dr. Jess Everett stepped up to provide the first $100 matching donation. The challenge can be met with either donations to NJEL or tax-deductible contributions to the Environmental Education Fund. Thanks for the seed money, Jim and Jeanne, and thanks for setting an example by being the first to respond, Jess. If you choose to meet this challenge, please indicate on your donation whether or not you wish public recognition. No donation is too small!

Former NJEL Trustee Grace Sinden continues to encourage us with her reliable annual support, sponsorship of the Awards Reception, and now with a congratulatory donation to NJEL in honor of Anne Poole, President of NJEL. Thank you, Grace for your support and for your expert advice on Clean Air issues throughout the years.

We are grateful to our Awards Reception Co-Chairs, Vice President Eric Rush and Dr. Mike Taylor for arranging the excellent facilities and refreshments. Thanks also to Monica Haley for the wonderful design and editing of the program journal. Finally, thanks to all who assisted with promoting and executing the event, and to the sponsors, advertisers, & guests. See you in 2010!

NJEL thanks our member and volunteer photographer, Glenn Malsbury for recording the Reception.

. . . LATE BREAKING NEWS. . .
The Open Space Bond Question and the ORV/ATV bill were approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee on June 22, 2009.

REMEMBER!

The New Jersey Environmental Lobby is your voice in Trenton. We are an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused on the preservation and protection of a healthy environment for all our citizens. We need your support! JOIN NJEL and help us change the laws!







	President: Anne Poole Legislative Director: Michael Pisauro


	Volume 38 No. 2

	April - June 2009

	NJEL Supports the Keep-It-Green Coalition's Campaign for Open Space Preservation - *by Brenda Holzinger* New Jersey's Keep It Green Coalition continues the fight to protect open space in our garden state. At press time, the state legislature is deciding whether or not to put a $600 million dollar temporary Garden State Preservation Trust Fund replenishment bond on the ballot for voters this November. Read More ... Federal Funding Commitment Increased for ARC Commuter Rail Tunnel *- by Linda Dickman* President Obama has included the ARC Mass Transit Tunnel in the administration's 2010 federal budget. The project will receive another $200 million. Read More ... Michael Hunninghake -"Volunteer of the Year" - NJEL has selected Michael Hunninghake, NJEL member and Chairman of the Bordentown City Environmental Commission as its 2009 Volunteer of the Year. Read More ... New Jersey Highlands Coalition Objects to Request for Exemption for Additional Gas Pipeline through the Highlands *- By Brenda Holzinger & Anne Poole* Tennessee Gas Pipeline, a member of El Paso Corporation's Pipeline Group, seeks to build a $750 million 16-mile underground pipeline loop... Read More ... New Jersey Legislative Update - All-terrain/off-road Vehicle (ORV) Enforcement - At press time, bills (S-2005/A823) described in previous newsletters were being considered... Read More ... At the Federal Level - Bills referred to as "Cash for Clunkers" were introduced in the U. S. House and Senate. On the surface, the intent to remove low mileage, high emission... Read More ... The 2009 NJEL Environmental Awards Reception took place on April 21 at Seton Hall University - Former Governor James Florio, presents NJEL's 2009 Frank Oliver Environmental Award to Jim Lanard, during April 21 NJEL Awards Reception. Read More ... NJEL Supports the Keep-It-Green Coalition's Campaign for Open Space Preservation - *by Brenda Holzinger* New Jersey's Keep It Green Coalition continues the fight to protect open space in our garden state. At press time, the state legislature is deciding whether or not to put a $600 million dollar temporary Garden State Preservation Trust Fund replenishment bond on the ballot for voters this November. Although nearly every environmentalist in the state would prefer a permanent constitutionally protected source of funding for the GSPT, the Keep It Green Coalition is doing all it can to support the bond measure because it appears to be the best compromise in light of the current economic uncertainty and many other difficulties facing New Jersey. On June 4th, the NJ legislature allocated the last remaining GSPT funds, which were appropriated as a result of the successful 2007 bond measure. The measure currently under consideration by the legislature (A3901 and S1858: The Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2009) would allow the state's voters to decide if a $600 million bond to replenish the GSPT for another 3 years should be authorized. Although the KIG coalition released a poll in April showing strong support for such a measure, it is important to remember that the 2007 GSPT bond measure passed statewide by a rather narrow margin and failed in some counties. June 30th is the deadline for the state legislature to pass A3901 and S1858 so that voters may choose whether or not to authorize the bond measure on the November ballot. As a member of the Keep-It-Green Coalition (KIG), led by the New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) NJEL supports the position that absent any other realistic funding source in the current economic climate, a bond issue is preferable to no funding at all. While the economic downturn has dampened enthusiasm for bonding obligations, one positive result is that land prices and interest rates are at historic lows. Developers have farms and other vacant parcels within their sights. Land acquisition and preservation negotiations are lengthy. At the same time, owners who wish to (or who, for personal financial reasons, must) sell their property, will not wait forever. Without the expectation that funds are in place, towns, counties, and land conservation groups will not be able to complete transactions already planned and cannot in good faith initiate others. Open space and critical habitats will be lost forever to development. For more information visit the KIG Coalition website at http://www.njkeepitgreen.org/. Federal Funding Commitment Increased for ARC Commuter Rail Tunnel - *by Linda Dickman* President Obama has included the ARC Mass Transit Tunnel in the administration's 2010 federal budget. The project will receive another $200 million, bringing the federal funding commitment to almost $400 million. The Mass Transit Tunnel will double train capacity between New Jersey and New York, taking approximately 22,000 cars a day off our overcrowded highways. The project will require over 6,000 construction-related jobs and will create 44,000 permanent jobs when it's completed. In the face of increased ridership, capacity constraints make it impossible for NJ Transit and Amtrak to increase their scheduled trips using the existing 100 year-old two-track commuter rail tunnel under the Hudson River. The new tunnel will double the capacity during peak times from 23 trains per hour to 48. The additional tunnel will also eliminate the need for transfers for NJ Transit customers on the Main/Bergen County, Port Jervis, Pascack Valley, Montclair-Boonton west of Montclair State University, Morris and Essex west of Dover, Raritan Valley and North Jersey Coast south of Long Branch. The "one-seat" (direct) rides will shorten trip time to New York and will encourage new ridership. Michael Hunninghake -"Volunteer of the Year" - NJEL has selected Michael Hunninghake, NJEL member and Chairman of the Bordentown City Environmental Commission as its 2009 Volunteer of the Year. While NJEL usually chooses an individual who has devoted extensive time to NJEL projects, during the evaluation of Bordentown's Green Town application it became clear that Mike is devoted to his town's environment. His objective is a sustainable, attractive environment that also benefits the town's economy. Mike supports a number of organizations in addition to NJEL and he and his wife Margaret O'Gorman lead by example. Since Mike was unable to attend the Awards Reception, watch for the announcement of the presentation event. New Jersey Highlands Coalition Objects to Request for Exemption for Additional Gas Pipeline through the Highlands *- By Brenda Holzinger & Anne Poole* Tennessee Gas Pipeline, a member of El Paso Corporation's Pipeline Group, seeks to build a $750 million 16-mile underground pipeline loop that would extend from Wantage Township in Sussex County to the Borough of Ringwood's border with New York in Passaic County. El Paso Corporation owns the largest natural gas pipeline system (42,000 miles) in the U.S. The new pipeline would run next to an existing line, which would remain in service during construction so consumers will not experience interruptions in natural gas service. Construction of this will require expansion of TGP's existing right-of-way. This will disturb some of the most ecologically sensitive areas of the protected Highlands Region. To carry out the project, TGP has requested an exemption from complying with the Highlands Regional Master Plan. At an information open house in West Milford in January, TGP representatives informed area residents that construction will require blasting for about 80% of the 16-mile pipeline, or nearly 13 miles. For TGP's public information about the project, visit the company's website at http://www.elpaso.com/tgp300lineproject/. Exemptions to the regulations and plans that implement the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act are delineated in the Act . In written comments to DEP, the New Jersey Highlands Coalition objected to an exemption on several grounds, including TGP's disregard of the language in the very exemption it wishes to invoke that the "activity is consistent with the goals and purposes of this act." The Coalition's objections to TGP's rationale in its request for a Highlands Applicability Determination are specific and indicate an understanding of both the project's impact and the provisions of the Act. Among the numerous points challenged by the Coalition was TGP's assertions that "The natural beauty of the Highlands will be preserved based on the underground nature of the Project facilities." While the infrastructure may be underground, the excavation required will cause significant environmental disturbance. TGP states that it will follow "FERC-approved" restoration plans & procedures. Unfortunately, these do not include replanting of trees or management of invasive plant species.* TGP's request does not address the construction of 1000 feet of pipeline across a reservoir and does not explain access requirements and their possible impacts. TGP is also requesting a ruling before field surveys are conducted to determine presence of threatened and endangered species and before impact avoidance and/or mitigation measures are approved. TGP has not made public the results of any cultural and historical resources studies, and the impacts upon such resources. These are a necessary part of any HAD application and/or any Consistency Determination of the Highlands Council. It should be noted that FERC does not require public disclosure of such information and TGP has repeatedly mentioned that it is under the jurisdiction of FERC. The objections described above are only some of those raised by the Coalition. NJEL believes that this project should not be expedited by ignoring its impact on the Highlands. It certainly should not be expedited without the provision of complete information by TGP. NJEL was happy to be invited to sign on to the Coalition's comments to DEP. * Federal Energy Regulatory Commission New Jersey Legislative Update - All-terrain/off-road Vehicle (ORV) Enforcement - At press time, bills (S-2005/A823) described in previous newsletters were being considered in the NJ Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee. The intent of the bills is to stop the destruction caused by off-road vehicles in state forests and parks as well as unauthorized intrusion into private lands. The bills would require registration of a variety of off-road vehicles operated on public lands and empower NJDEP to make and enforce rules about their use. The bills would require operators to obtain the permission of property owners prior to use of such vehicles on private lands. The bills also address safety issues and operation of vehicles by riders under 18 years old. The bills provide for revenue from registration fees to be used to provide safety education programs and to establish a dedicated ORV park. Approval by the Committee will clear the way for a vote and, hopefully, passage by the full Legislature. At the Federal Level - Bills referred to as "Cash for Clunkers" were introduced in the U. S. House and Senate. On the surface, the intent to remove low mileage, high emission vehicles from the roads is good, but our Legislative Director Mike Pisauro's review of the competing bills revealed a number of flaws, not the least of which is the high price tag ($1 billion) to the Federal government in a time of high budget deficits. H.R. 2751, with the lofty title "Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act" passed on a fast track in the House. H.R. has a multi-tier scheme for vouchers to owners who trade in gas-guzzlers and purchase new higher mileage cars. The mileage improvements supported by this bill are inadequate, however, starting at a paltry 2 mpg. To be eligible, the old car must get 18 mpg or less. This means that vehicles that achieve less than the existing fuel efficiency standards would qualify, while contributing relatively little to fuel efficiency improvements. In an interview for Fox News WOR TV (New York) Mike's assessment was that Senate Bill S-247 is preferable to the House bill H.R. 2751 in that S-247 at least sets the floor for qualifying vehicles at 25% greater than the fuel efficiency standard. The Senate bill would also allow public transit operators to redeem vouchers for individuals who dispose of a qualifying car and wish to use the funds for transit fares. All in all, however, the bills seem to be designed to benefit the automobile industry, and in a way that will require complicated administration. Neither would benefit those who do not have a gas-guzzler for trade in or who have already been responsible and purchased a fuel-efficient vehicle. Paraphrasing Mike's comment to WOR TV, "call it what it is-a stimulus bill for the auto industry, not an environmental bill." The 2009 NJEL Environmental Awards Reception took place on April 21 at Seton Hall University - Former Governor James Florio, below, presents NJEL's 2009 Frank Oliver Environmental Award to Jim Lanard, Managing Director at Deepwater Wind, LLC, a partner in the development of New Jersey's off-shore wind farm pilot project. Jim Lanard is a former Executive Director of NJEL and of the Philadelphia Clean Air Council. In his career, Jim has helped corporations establish environmental policies and he has worked for the success of renewable energy projects. Both professionally and personally, he has promoted environmental responsibility. Jim is a long-time member of NJEL. Nick Corcodilos, below, former Mayor of Clinton Township, receives the Frank Oliver Environmental Award from NJEL Trustee and Executive Director of the NJ Highlands Coalition Julia Somers. In addition to numerous environmental initiatives that will benefit his own municipality, Hunterdon County, and municipalities statewide, Mr. Corcodilos led the successful effort to prevent overdevelopment while fulfilling the town's affordable housing obligations. Clinton Twp's affordable housing plan will provide an attractive, healthful environment to affordable housing residents. At the NJEL Awards Reception, The Environmental Legacy Award was presented to Jane Morton Galetto by Jim Shissias, below, NJEL member and Trustee of the New Jersey Audubon Society. Ms. Galetto is the co-founder and President of Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc., headquartered in Millville, NJ Jane is a member of numerous Boards and Coalitions, including NJ's Endangered and Nongame Species Advisory Committee. She is the winner of numerous awards and, we are proud to say, a member of NJEL! Our Benefactors Speak! At the NJEL Awards Reception on April 21, honored guest Jim Lanard surprised us with a wonderful announcement. Jim challenged other guests and NJEL members to match a total of $1000 donated by him and his wife Jeanne Gorman. Jim intends this grant to be used to devise a partnership plan between NJEL and renewable energy firms to advance the development and use of renewable energy. Very appropriately, NJEL Board member and Rowan University Professor of Engineering Dr. Jess Everett stepped up to provide the first $100 matching donation. The challenge can be met with either donations to NJEL or tax-deductible contributions to the Environmental Education Fund. Thanks for the seed money, Jim and Jeanne, and thanks for setting an example by being the first to respond, Jess. If you choose to meet this challenge, please indicate on your donation whether or not you wish public recognition. No donation is too small! Former NJEL Trustee Grace Sinden continues to encourage us with her reliable annual support, sponsorship of the Awards Reception, and now with a congratulatory donation to NJEL in honor of Anne Poole, President of NJEL. Thank you, Grace for your support and for your expert advice on Clean Air issues throughout the years. Thanks For a Successful Event! We are grateful to our Awards Reception Co-Chairs, Vice President Eric Rush and Dr. Mike Taylor for arranging the excellent facilities and refreshments. Thanks also to Monica Haley for the wonderful design and editing of the program journal. Finally, thanks to all who assisted with promoting and executing the event, and to the sponsors, advertisers, & guests. See you in 2010! NJEL thanks our member and volunteer photographer, Glenn Malsbury for recording the Reception. . . . LATE BREAKING NEWS. . . The Open Space Bond Question and the ORV/ATV bill were approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee on June 22, 2009. *REMEMBER!* The New Jersey Environmental Lobby is your voice in Trenton. We are an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused on the preservation and protection of a healthy environment for all our citizens. We need your support! JOIN NJEL and help us change the laws! BACK TO TOP