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Scrap metal safety bill released after contested testimony; member abstains
Summary
A2401 would update rules for scrap metal businesses including quarterly record audits and a five‑year requirement to install remotely operated fire suppression systems. Industry witnesses warned of high costs and urged narrowing the bill’s scope; environmental and public‑health witnesses urged faster action after repeated fires at an EMR facility in Camden. The committee released the bill; one member abstained.
The Assembly Regulated Professions Committee released Assembly Bill A2401 after a contested hearing that included testimony from industry, environmental and community groups.
Madeline read the measure, which would update statutes regulating scrap metal businesses by requiring quarterly audits of records, prohibiting prohibited items on premises, and mandating an on‑site, remotely operated fire suppression system (with a five‑year installation period). The bill also requires businesses to employ or contract individuals trained in fire suppression.
Frank Brill, representing the Recycled Materials Association, testified in opposition and asked the committee to delay release so he could offer an amendment narrowing the bill’s application by facility size. Brill said smaller, family‑run operations could face steep costs and quoted a monthly carrying charge for one fire suppression system of up to $3,000, warning such costs could push some operators out of New Jersey. He said industry already invests in insurance and training and cautioned the measure could have unintended business impacts.
Kate Delaney of South Jersey Progressive Democrats spoke in support but urged a faster timeline, citing a series of fires at the EMR scrap metal facility in Camden and local air‑quality harms. “Around this time last year... the sky went totally black,” she said, recounting health warnings to shelter indoors during the incident and noting 12 fires at the Camden facility over five years. Jasmine Medallis of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters also testified in favor of A2401, saying the phased approach balances safety and operational realities.
On roll call, Assemblyman Sharpenburger said he would abstain, citing concerns the bill would be too broad without amendments. The committee chair voted to pass the bill out of committee, and the measure was released for further consideration by the full Assembly.
