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NJ “Smart” growth policies face overhaul
The state is thinking about revamping its policies dealing with what projects receive financial incentives to reduce energy use in buildings, a change smart growth advocates fear will lead to further sprawl and loss of open space.
For nearly a decade, various policies have sought to promote construction in so-called Smart Growth zones, generally more urban and developed areas where sewer systems, schools and mass transit are already in place. Further, state agencies, including the New Jersey Office of Clean Energy, were encouraged to funnel aid away from projects in rural and low-growth areas without established infrastructure.
That policy could change, at least, in terms of what projects would receive incentives from the office to make new construction as energy efficient as possible. The office is poised to recommend to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) that it eliminate policies that limit most incentives to new construction in Smart Growth areas. (Johnson, NJ Spotlight)
