On Earth Day, Governor Chris Christie signed into law a bill exempting solar panels from restrictions which had classified them as “impervious surface” under municipal land use law and waterfront and coastal development laws, including the Pinelands and Highlands protection acts. The bill had bi-partisan backing and sponsorship and received unanimous support in the Legislature. The bill signed by the Governor recognizes solar energy developments as an important land use which will protect our environment. The bill eliminates a significant impediment which had previously stalled green energy projects. “There is a balance to be struck between responsible land-use law and well-intended but burdensome restrictions that do more harm than good,” Christie said.
