Senator Latham Tiver and Assemblyman Michael Torrissi Jr., both representing New Jersey’s 8th district, have announced new legislation intended to expedite the construction of power plants. This move is part of an effort to address the state’s ongoing energy affordability challenges.
The proposed bill specifically targets regulations related to air quality permits necessary for businesses that operate equipment releasing air pollutants. Currently, obtaining these permits can be a lengthy process, often taking up to two years. The new legislation would require the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to either approve or deny a permit application within 90 days. If the DEP fails to act within this timeframe, the permit would be automatically approved.
Senator Tiver emphasized the urgency of this measure, stating, “Any power plant, dry cleaner, asphalt plant, quarry – you name it – has to obtain an air quality permit. While that’s a good thing for our environment, what’s not good is the DEP’s approval process can take up to two years. That is unacceptable when we are in dire need of energy generation.”
Highlighting the benefits of the bill, Tiver added, “My bill with Assemblyman Torrissi would strongly encourage the DEP to speed up its review process so energy generators, and other businesses, are not bogged down by years-long review processes. This state needs to produce, not block production with endless bureaucracy.”
Assemblyman Torrissi echoed Tiver’s concerns, pointing to other states for comparison. “States like Pennsylvania have no problem approving or denying air quality permits in a timely manner so power plants can get on with providing energy to residents. It’s no wonder why electric prices are skyrocketing in New Jersey, our regulators drag their feet on these important approvals,” Torrissi stated. He further remarked, “It’s time to cut red tape in this state so we can begin to fix the affordability crisis.”
