Environment & Agriculture

 

The Third District Legislators have been prominent voices on many environmental and conservation efforts. Senator Sweeney and Assemblyman Burzichelli have both been instrumental in the preservation of open space throughout their careers, having sponsored legislation that would provide funding for Green Acres, farmland, and historic preservation projects.

  • Senator Sweeney and Assemblyman Burzichelli worked in 2010 to pass the “Offshore Wind Economic Development Act,” which established an offshore wind renewable energy certificate program, and authorized the Economic Development Agency (EDA) to provide tax credits for qualified wind energy facilities in wind energy zones. This legislation is critical to the Port of Paulsboro project, and will be instrumental in bringing many jobs into New Jersey.
  • In the 2004-2005 session, Senator Sweeney and Assemblyman Burzichelli both sponsored legislation banning the sale of gasoline containing more than 0.5% Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE). Any persons or companies found to be in violation of the bill’s provisions are subject to penalties under the Water Pollution Control Act.
  • Senator Sweeney was also instrumental in the creation of the New Jersey Sportsmen’s Legislative Caucus. This caucus has occupied a significant role in ensuring that the interests of New Jersey’s sportsmen are heard throughout the state.
  • Assemblywoman Riley has become a leader for New Jersey’s growing agricultural tourism industry, having sponsored a number of bills that would promote New Jersey’s status as a destination for agri-tourism.
    • Among these are bills that would establish farm brewery and winery-brewery beverage licenses and would permit farm wineries to produce hard cider. Assemblywoman Riley has also sponsored legislation to create cooperative farm winery licenses and permit wineries to sell wine at certain farm markets.
  • Assemblywoman Riley also sponsored legislation that would require the state, whenever possible, to give preference to “Jersey Fresh,” “Jersey Grown,” and other agricultural food products and commodities cultivated or raised in New Jersey. This would take effect when entering into or renewing a contract for use by various state agencies, departments and facilities.
  • Senator Sweeney, Assemblyman Burzichelli, and Assemblywoman Riley have sponsored legislation that would allow for the direct shipping of wine to New Jersey consumers. This will grant New Jersey residents greater opportunities to enjoy their favorite wines, as well as providing a boost to the state’s burgeoning wine industry.
  • In 2009, Senator Sweeney, Assemblyman Burzichelli, and Assemblywoman Riley sponsored the “Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2009,” which provided vital funding for the development and preservation of farmland and historic sites.
  • Assemblyman Burzichelli sponsored legislation creating “Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week,” which will be held during the last week of September each year, and is intended to promote the value and importance of New Jersey’s agriculture and fresh farm food for children.