The New Jersey Clean Air Council (CAC) recently released its Public Hearing Report for 2010, “Vision for the Next Decade: Air Quality and Pollution Control in New Jersey.”  The report contains a series of recommendations on sound planning practices and strategies that will make New Jersey more effective in combating the proliferation of air pollution and reducing its adverse health effects over the next decade.  The CAC developed these recommendations after taking testimony from the public, scientific and regulated communities, and other interested parties, at their Public Hearing in April, and presented them to Commissioner Martin on July 14.

The CAC believes that sound planning for development, transportation, and energy production is key for effective air pollution control.  In addition, the CAC recommends that action must be taken to combat greenhouse gas emissions and integrate that action with existing health-based air quality programs that address ozone, particulate matter, and air toxics.

The 48 recommendations in their report encompass various strategies, and are broken down into groups as follows:  types of sources (mobile, stationary); categories of air pollutants (air toxics, criteria pollutants); types of impacts (community, environmental justice); partnerships (regional, multi-state, stakeholders); strategies (climate change, energy, “green” programs); and program functions (planning, resources, economics).

The full report and detailed recommendations can be found below. (PDFs except where noted)