CAPE MAY – Two of the three state legislators representing the county spoke in opposition to the state’s proposed new rules affecting coastal development at the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce’s meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 18.
State Sen. Michael Testa, when asked how he and other legislators would attempt to stop the new regulations, known as NJPACT/REAL, from going into effect, said that they are hoping to get the message across to the chambers of commerce, which in turn could express their opposition to the governor and the state Department of Environmental Protection.
“It may result in a lawsuit,” Testa said, “but I hope it doesn’t have to go that far.”
At issue are the DEP’s proposed rules that, among many other things, would require the first habitable floor of new construction to be 5 feet higher than current standards to accommodate an anticipated sea level rise over the next 75 years.
Testa and many others have criticized the study upon which the proposed changes are based, saying that the science in the study is outdated and that those who worked on the study do not support its conclusions. He labeled it “the doomsday study.”
Assemblyman Antwan McClellan spoke briefly before heading out to another engagement, criticizing efforts by the DEP to make rules that would affect any construction or reconstruction projects at the Shore. Assemblyman Erik Simonsen was unable to attend, but Testa said each member of the legislative team speaks for the others with regard to opposing the new rules.
Testa repeated the notion that the DEP would like to see a “managed retreat” of homeowners from Shore areas.
“The NJDEP sees each and every one of us as an invasive species,” he said.
Speaking about skyrocketing electricity costs, Testa said the state Board of Public Utilities’ mission statement says it is to represent ratepayers. According to the BPU website, “The law requires NJBPU to ensure safe, reliable, and proper utility services at reasonable rates for customers in New Jersey.”
The senator said he was contacted by a constituent who told him they raised their thermostat five degrees, and their electric bill doubled.
“That’s not fair … that’s not sustainable,” Testa said. “The BPU has abandoned its mission statement.”
Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
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