NJ Building Extension Measure Hits Snag, is Delayed

Both houses of the New Jersey Legislature have postponed votes on a measure allowing New Jersey developers to delay construction projects for two years after receiving regulatory approvals.

The "Permit Extension Act" angered opponents because it strips protections from the environmentally sensitive areas in the Highlands region in northwestern New Jersey. The Highlands is a protected area of nearly 900,000 acres that is the source of drinking water to millions.

Assemblywoman Grace Spencer of Newark, who chairs the Assembly Environment Committee, says the Highlands' drinking water is too important to risk without in-depth examination.

Senate bill sponsor Paul Sarlo of Wood-Ridge says a vote on the bill was delayed to ensure that the Highlands is adequately protected.

Similar building extensions were approved in 2008 and 2010, but environmentally fragile areas were exempt.