Companies looking to build a power plant or factory that would produce significant pollution in a low-income or minority community will face more scrutiny after Gov. Phil Murphy signed one of the country's most stringent environmental justice bills into law.
The legislation would affect communities in more than half of the state's municipalities, where officials say neighbors have borne a greater level of pollution, and the public health risks and lowered life expectancy that go along with it.
"This law will bring with it a sea change in how government looks at its ultimate responsibility to ensure the rights of its people to clean air and clean water," Murphy said at a signing ceremony in Newark.
The bill had been in limbo for years as it met roadblocks in Trenton from legislators, lobbyists and even Murphy's administration.