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Conservation group objects as committee advances CAFRA deed-restriction exchange bill for children's facility
Summary
Senate Bill 3377 — which would allow the DEP to lift certain CAFRA conservation deed restrictions under specified conditions — drew opposition from the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, which urged use of the existing State House Commission process; the committee accepted technical amendments and released the bill.
The Senate Environment and Energy Committee debated Senate Bill 3377, a measure that would direct the Department of Environmental Protection to lift certain conservation restrictions imposed as a condition of CAFRA permits under defined circumstances.
Melena Bimpong of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters told the committee she opposed using amended regulations for individual properties and urged existing review through the State House Commission instead, saying, “if you want a deed restriction lifted, there is already a process to go to the State House Commission.” She warned that amending regulations for a single property could create a precedent.
Supporters acknowledged the concern but said the bill would still require compensatory acreage (the transcript references providing twice as much property in exchange) and would leave the review process and safeguards in place. Chairman Smith said the committee would consider technical amendments, and members voted to amend and release the bill.
The committee’s approval advances the legislation for further consideration; proponents and opponents indicated they will continue to coordinate on language and the appropriate review process for property exchanges.
