NJ SEED

 Scientists Dig Into Hard Questions About The Fluorinated Pollutants Known As PFAS

April 22, 2019 | npr.org 

Scientists are ramping up research on the possible health effects of a large group of common but little-understood chemicals used in water-resistant clothing, stain-resistant furniture, nonstick cookware and many other consumer products. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are generally referred to by their plural acronym, PFAS. PFAS are resistant to water, oil and heat, and their use has expanded rapidly since they were developed by companies in the mid-20th century. Today, PFAS’ nonstick qualities make them useful in products as diverse as food wrappers, umbrellas, tents, carpets and firefighting foam. The chemicals are also used in the manufacture of plastic and rubber and in insulation for wiring.

NJ SEED: The article provides an informative background on a serious drinking water contamination issue that is just gaining national attention. Some NJ water companies have been out front in seeking solutions to the problem caused by PFAS.

Click Here for full article.

Huge Win for PSEG as Reluctant BPU Approves Nuclear Subsidies

April 19, 2019 | njspotlight.com 

A deeply conflicted Board of Public Utilities (last Thursday [4/18]) approved $300 million a year in subsidies to the owners of New Jersey’s three nuclear power plants, ignoring three separate analyses that found the units profitable and in no danger of closing. For the typical residential customer, the decision will increase their annual bill by $41. The cost will be much higher for businesses.

NJ SEED: We recognize that nuclear power is important to NJ’s energy mix but regrets the need for a government subsidy to assure the continuance of the state’s nuclear power plants.

Click Here for full article.

On Earth Day, April 22, Gloomy Predictions Haven’t Come to Pass

April 22, 2019 | dailysignal.com 

This Earth Day, it almost feels like we should be carving some turkey. Why? Because we have a lot to be thankful for since the first Earth Day event occurred 49 years ago. We should be thankful that the gloom-and-doom predictions made throughout the past several decades haven’t come true. Fearmongering about explosive population growth, food crises, and the imminent depletion of natural resources have been a staple of Earth Day events since 1970. And the common thread among them is that they’ve stirred up a lot more emotions than facts.

NJ SEED: notes that the balanced approach the coalition has always advocated has resulted in innovations and (as a result a better-informed public) changed behaviors that serve to make us all better stewards of our natural environment.  

Click Here for full article.

 OP-ED: Stopping natural gas in N.J. would threaten economy

April 16, 2019 | roi-nj.com

By Mike Stiles, Pipefitters Local 274

New York was hit with a stark realization just weeks ago: When anti-pipeline rhetoric replaces facts in energy policy, the results can be devastating for neighborhoods, businesses and job-creating economic development. Worst of all, what is unfolding on Long Island and in Westchester County is entirely avoidable, providing a cautionary tale New Jersey must avoid as the siren song of stopping all natural gas projects begins to rear its head in the Garden State.

NJ SEED: Throughout its long history, NJ SEED has argued against environmental extremism that would cripple our economy and diminish the quality of life for our residents. Mr. Stiles warns against NJ following a path similar to that being taken in New York and Massachusetts.

Click Here for full article.

Murphy Seeking Resignation of EDA Board Members

April 17, 2019 | njbiz.com 

Gov. Phil Murphy has asked for the resignation – and already received one – of five appointees to the board of the Economic Development Authority, the agency accused of mismanagement and weak oversight of the state’s multi-billion dollar tax break program which the governor wants to replace.

NJ SEED: Reorganization of EDA can lead to improvement of the agency’s image and its effectiveness. Hopefully, the move is more than political housecleaning.   

Click Here for full article.