Wind and Solar Bills Advance in NJ Legislature

Yesterday, the New Jersey Legislature took some baby steps toward promoting energy independence in this State.  Our legislators have started posting bills in furtherance of our New Jersey State Energy Master Plan (the Master Plan was previously diaried, here: http://www.dailykos.com/... )

More below the fold:

A package of bills designed to encourage New Jersey's use of wind and solar energy advanced in the Senate yesterday.

Under the legislation, renewable energy facilities could be located in any 20-acre industrial area, allowing the state's older urban areas to benefit from green technology in their redevelopment efforts, said bill sponsor Sen. Bob Smith (D- Middlesex). In addition to that bill (S1299), another (S1538) would permit owners of preserved farmland to build and operate wind and solar equipment there to help power their farms.

A third bill (S1303) would extend to renewable energy facilities the label of "inherently beneficial use," which could ease their path through the zoning approval process. Projects like hospitals and schools now fall under that category, Smith said.

http://www.nj.com/...

For me, Senate bill S1303 is the key bill, as it would define renewable energy facilities and infrastructure as "inherently beneficial" uses, thereby overriding local NIMBY driven zoning ordinances to promote the development of such facilities.  

[snip]

S-1303, would codify the definition of "inherently beneficial use," for the purposes of zoning use variances under New Jersey’s "Municipal Land Use Law." Under the bill, "inherently beneficial use," would be defined as a developed property which is universally considered of value to the community because it serves a fundamental need, such as hospitals, schools, child care centers, group homes, or in the case of renewable energy, wind, solar or photovoltaic energy facilities. Through the "inherently beneficial use" label, many of these sites would be considered eligible for a variance that would ensure they could not be blocked by existing local zoning ordinances.

"Historically, ‘inherently beneficial’ projects have been able to get around zoning restrictions, because it’s recognized that the public good is better served by moving ahead with the project," said Senator Smith. "Variance carve-outs have been granted for utility infrastructure, schools, hospitals and facilities which have a universally-understood benefit to the community. It’s appropriate that we update the definition of ‘inherently beneficial’ to include renewable systems which will help bring energy costs down for everyone."

http://www.politickernj.com/...

I am advised, by those who would know, that our Democratic controlled Legislature has the votes to pass this package of bills and that Governor Corzine will sign them if enacted.   Some may say, "too little, too late", but I say, good first step.  

ASiegel.  Comments please!

Edited for DL