NJBIA has expressed support for the New Jersey Conference of Mayors (NJCM) in its efforts to halt the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) proposed Land Use rules. These rules are seen as potentially burdensome and costly for towns, residents, and developers across the state.
More than 130 mayors have signed an NJCM Mayor’s Pledge or passed resolutions advocating for both the restoration of energy tax receipts and a delay in implementing DEP’s Resilient Environments and Landscapes rules. NJCM President and Dunellen Mayor Jason Cilento highlighted concerns over the “far-reaching consequences for redevelopment, affordable housing, infrastructure investment, and long-term economic viability.”
The letter was also addressed to gubernatorial candidates Jack Ciattarelli and Mikie Sherrill. Ray Cantor, NJBIA Deputy Chief Government Affairs Officer, thanked NJCM and participating municipalities for opposing these DEP rules. He noted that “the DEP’s proposed rules will significantly expand flood zones using outdated data,” creating potential no-build zones and increasing costs for businesses and residents.
NJBIA supports restoring millions in energy tax receipts collected from utility companies to municipalities. In Governor Phil Murphy’s final FY24 budget, $150 million of these funds were restored. For FY26, NJCM is advocating for the same amount to be restored to ease budgetary pressures, stabilize property taxes, and maintain essential local services.
Christopher Emigholz, NJBIA Chief Government Affairs Officer, emphasized that “the funding from these energy tax receipts helps hold down local property taxes,” benefiting all taxpayers including businesses which contribute significantly without relief programs.
For more details on the full NJCM letter with participating mayors from all 21 New Jersey counties, further information can be accessed through their official channels.
