N.J. Pinelands Commission Proposal
The N.J. Pinelands Commission proposes amendments to the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP) that spell out where and under what circumstances solar energy facilities may be permitted as a principal use. The proposed rules would expand the range of locations available for the installation of Solar Facilities within the Pinelands Area, to such places as landfills, resource extraction sites and some environmentally restricted sites proposed or approved for cleanup or remediation. The new rules would also eliminate the need for development approvals for Solar Facilities as accessory uses in many cases. Please contact a member of Archer & Greiner's Alternative and Renewable Energy Practice Group to discuss how the proposed rule changes may impact your development or property.
Pinelands Commission press release
Reported out of N.J. Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee, 2/3/2011:
A3125: Prohibits municipal zoning ordinances from regulating solar panels under certain circumstances; limits fees for certain renewable energy installations. The Bill, if adopted in its current form, would prohibit municipalities from charging excessive fees for processing applications for the installation of solar facilities on residential properties, and also from adopting ordinances that regulate the installation of solar facilities on residential properties when certain dimensional and setback limitations are met.
Identical Bill No.: S2006
Committee Statement
Referred to Pennsylvania Senate Labor & Industry Committee, 2/1/2011:
Senate Bill 364: Green Work Force Training Act - Providing for green workforce training, the program shall be designed to promote job training related to the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.
Text of Bill
Referred to Pennsylvania House Environmental Resources & Energy Committee, 1/24/2011:
House Bill 193: The High-Performance, State Buildings Standards Act - Requiring the design, construction and renovation of State-owned or State-leased buildings to comply with specified energy and environmental building standards.
Text of Bill
