TRENTON – In honor of Earth Day, a bill sponsored by Senators Bob Smith and James Beach was signed into law today aimed at increasing the development of solar power in New Jersey. The new law carves out several exemptions in current state laws to allow for the development of solar panels in certain areas throughout the state where structures or paved surfaces covering the ground are strictly regulated.
“This bill has been widely supported by many of the state’s leading environmental organizations because it delicately balances land use protections with the need to promote viable alternative energy sources,” said Sen. Smith (D-Middlesex, Somerset). “It’s a common sense win for our environment as well as for property owners hampered by current law.”