Environment Commission

Power Granted to the Commission

  • to conduct research into the use and possible use of land within the municipality, and may coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes.

  • may also prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets

  • may recommend to the planning board and governing body plans and programs for inclusion in the master plan for development and land use.

  • shall keep a list of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, including wetlands, in order to ensure the proper use of such lands. See Recreation and Open Space Index (ROSI).

    Mandate

    In Chapter 56A of the New Jersey Statutes, the Legislature provided the ability of municipalities to create an environmental commission, which South Orange did in 1999. It consists of between 5 and 8 members appointed by the mayor, with terms between 1-3 years. By law, one of the members of the environmental commission must be a member of the planning board. The first commissioner was John Thonet, followed by Janine Bauer, the current commissioner.

    The commission meets the second Tuesday  of the month at 7:30 pm at Village Hall.  

    Ordinance for creation of Environmental Commission (1999)

    Ordinance amending above document (2006)

     

    See Current Priorities

    ROSI: In South Orange, the index of open lands is kept both as part of the Recreation and Open Space Index (ROSI) provided by the Village to the State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for all of its Green Acres grants, and by the Village Planner as part of the Master Plan. The environmental commission has advocated to the planning board and the governing body that the open space and public use zoning designation in the zoning ordinance be amended to more specifically reflect the use of our open lands. Back to Top

Energy Policy Committee - formed through a community process as a partnership of/for
local governments, utilities and citizens to:

  • work cooperatively with businesses, individuals, governmental entities and utilities to create measurable improvements in energy efficiency and resource management

  • provide a forum for exchange of information and ideas relating to energy

  • serve as an educational resource to promote awareness

  • provide community education through forums, presentations, and newspaper and magazine articles. Working closely with government entities, favoring more sustainable solutions

  • advocate for clean, reliable, high quality and fairly priced power in an open market based system that maximizes entrepreneurial spirit and customer choice for the benefit of all ratepayers

  • provide the Board of Trustees with timely and precise advice on a wide range of energy- related topics, including, but not limited to, the provision of safe, reliable, cost competitive, and clean energy by conventional and/or alternative energy systems and resources, both stationary and mobile

  • advise on energy conservation methods that could be used by businesses, municipal entities, and residents of  (SO/Clustered Towns/County/Region)
The Energy Committee will achieve its mission/goals by advocating for and helping to shape policies on:

  • regulation based on sound economic information and principles

  • infrastructure development in generation and delivery of power

  • conservation programs in demand management and energy efficiency

  • provide this web site (with cooperation from the Environmental Commission and the village residents)

  • define infrastructure needs to support downtown redevelopment initiative/mission – Issue – Reliability/Availability/Cost

  • develop public policy

  • work to implement efficiency and renewables

How Can We Reduce Our Energy Needs:

Define by three sectors: municipal entities (including state, county, town, village, school district, fire district, colleges and universities); business; and residential areas to review:

  • building codes – what can be done to make buildings either under construction or being renovated more energy efficient

  • alternative transportation – bus, bike, walk, railroad, light rail, Jitney

  • financial incentives – what incentives are being offered for people to be more energy efficient; what incentives could be offered

  • demand and usage           

  • leveraging our voice for sound energy policy through various partnerships with public and private entities, including trade associations, non-governmental organizations, cities and counties, utilities and private companies to build credibility and good will in the community

  • educating and enabling our members, public officials, other stakeholders, and the public to understand how the energy arena works and provide practical conservation, efficiency and public policy "tools" to make wise and successful decisions about our energy future

  • providing counsel and direction to obtain reliable electricity supply at a reasonable and predictable cost