Author: Adam C. Arnold

Transitioning New Jersey to Alternative Energy Vehicles

An article published last year entitled, “NJ Charges Forward with Electric Vehicle Network,” discussed the concerted efforts of New Jersey and several other states to develop a Northeast Electric Vehicle Network and promote alternative transportation fuels. The goal of this project is to encourage economic growth, maintain the region’s leadership in the area of clean energy, and reduce the region’s dependence on oil. Toward that end, two bills were recently introduced in the New Jersey State Legislature that would provide further incentive for New Jersey drivers to make the transition to alternative energy vehicles.

NJ Supreme Court Clarifies Nexus Standard Under Spill Act

In NJDEP v. Dimant, et al., the Department filed suit under New Jersey’s Spill Compensation and Control Act (the “Spill Act”), alleging that the defendant, Sue’s Clothes Hanger, Inc. (“Sue’s”), a dry cleaning business, was responsible for damages related to groundwater contamination on various properties in Bound Brook. The sole evidence supporting DEP’s claim for damages against Sue’s rested on a pipe that was found dripping perchloroethylene (PCE) onto a driveway in the late 1980s. The trial court judge ruled that the DEP had not sufficiently proved a nexus between the PCE dripping from Sue’s pipe in the 1980s and the groundwater contamination at issue. The plaintiffs appealed.