Conservation group sees hope in Corzine's budget

For the last few years, balancing New Jersey's budget has meant a lot of hard choices among competing interests. The old advice, "Follow the money," gives a clue about our government's priorities. This year, Gov. Jon Corzine's proposed budget continues to safeguard New Jersey's environment.

For example, the best news is what's not in the budget - any funding to implement the "Fast Track" law that could allow continued sprawl growth across New Jersey. And the budget for the first time includes $40 million for capital improvements to state parks, forests, wildlife management areas and historic sites around the state. Halting the deterioration of public treasures is a smart investment that will yield public enjoyment as well as tourism dollars.

The budget also contains state matching funds needed to qualify for federal state wildlife grants.

Looking for ways to close a huge budget gap, Corzine's budget proposes a "Gas Guzzler Fee" - a one-time registration fee of 0.4 percent on new cars that get less than 19 miles per gallon, and on luxury vehicles costing more than $45,000. More important than the revenue the fee generates, is the potential reduction in air pollution and the incentive to buy more fuel-efficient vehicles!

The proposed budget will also help protect water resources, including $5 million for watershed restoration projects that address pollution, sedimentation and watershed restoration.

Finally, Corzine's proposed budget recognizes the urgency in protecting our state's drinking water supply. A water tax, which is the subject of proposed legislation, of 4 cents per 1,000 gallons will be collected from water utilities and used to leverage $100 million in bonds. However, under the current proposal, 75 percent of the new funding would go toward infrastructure projects, and only 25 percent to land acquisition. For the funds to achieve the desired effect - securing our drinking water - they would best be used to acquire land that protects our watersheds and provides natural groundwater filtration. The money must not be used for new sewer lines which enable more sprawl into undeveloped areas, defeating the purpose of the tax.

Corzine's budget demonstrates his commitment to the environment, even under circumstances that often tempt governors to consider deep cuts to environmental programs. His proposals make good sense - both environmental and fiscal.

Contact me at info@njconservation.org or visit www.njconservation.org for more information about conserving New Jersey's precious land and natural resources.

Fred Feiner

communications director

New Jersey Conservation Foundation

Far Hills