"NEWARK, N.J. — Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law Friday a measure giving state regulators power to deny development permits to businesses whose operations pollute predominantly Black and other minority communities.

Murphy, a Democrat, cast the legislation in sweeping terms, calling it historic and saying it amounted to a“monumental reform” that puts New Jersey at the forefront nationally of what is known as environmental justice legislation. He signed the bill alongside state lawmakers and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, who has introduced similar legislation in Washington.

The new law in New Jersey — which is the frequent butt of jokes for its factories and pollution and leads the country in the number of Superfund sites — aims to address years of businesses putting incinerators, refineries and other businesses that foul the air and water in cities and towns with mostly Black residents."

Mike Catalini reports for the Associated Press September 18, 2020. [2]