Yesterday, the Senate Economic Growth Committee approved S-434, known as the “Vegetation Management Response Act.” In the past, the League has opposed this and similar bills because they would give electric utility companies complete discretion to clear, move, cut, or destroy vegetation growing in, near, or adjacent to the utility’s right of way and without input from municipal officials.
However, amendments have been made to S-434 that would alleviate some of our concerns and we continue to work the sponsors on additional changes to adequately protect the interests of all of the League’s members. We will be sure to keep you updated on this matter as this bill continues through the legislative process.
Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x137.