NJ Lawmakers Delay Vote on Environmental Waiver Rules

The Senate has postponed a vote that would have pushed Gov. Chris Christie's administration to change or withdraw rules allowing businesses to get waivers from state environmental regulations.

Senate President Steve Sweeney pulled the resolution from Thursday's agenda.

The state Department of Environmental Protection proposed waiver rules, which would take effect Aug. 1.

Businesses must prove there's a public emergency, conflicting rules, environmental benefit or undue hardship to receive a waiver.

Environmental and labor groups oppose the rules, while business groups support them.

Sen. Barbara Buono of Edison has called for immediate Senate action on what she sees as "an unprecedented power grab" by the administration. She says the Senate must act by June 30 to prohibit the rules from being used.

The Assembly has passed a companion resolution.

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