GREENING NEWS! Lawmakers must allocate more money to protect N.J. environment: Opinion New Jersey has a longstanding legacy of protecting the environment and preserving open space that dates back to the establishment of the Green Acres program in 1961. Since then, elected leaders from both sides of the aisle have recognized the importance of investing in Green Acres and other preservation programs to help protect our water supply and support our local and state economies. We urge lawmakers, when they return to Trenton for a special session on Thursday, to vote on bipartisan legislation (SCR84) to establish sustainable funding for the preservation and stewardship of New Jersey’s open spaces, parks, waterways and historic sites. The legislation would reallocate 4 percent of corporate business tax revenues — approximately $100 million annually — that are already dedicated to environmental programs through fiscal year 2019 and dedicate an additional 2 percent of existing corporate business tax revenues from fiscal year 2020 going forward. Without action, more than one million acres of remaining open space and farmland at risk of being lost forever, threatening the safety of our drinking water and undermining the economic benefits associated with our parks, farms and open spaces. The ramifications will be felt throughout the state, including in urban neighborhoods like Newark and Camden, where our children and families desperately need and deserve more playground and green spaces where they can gather and play safely. There is little question that parks and open spaces are key components to successful urban renewal and improving the quality of life for residents. #Vote on Legislation (SCR84) #PRESERVATION OF NEWARK GREEN SPACES #NWK COMMUNITY GREENING PARTNERS #ITV INC STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM nj/opinion/index.ssf/2014/07/post_37.html
Posted on: Wed, 30 Jul 2014 15:08:28 +0000
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