Risking The Lives Of Citizens

This is a letter that I sent to most NJ, DE, PA, & NY newspapers:

As part of the New Jersey 2004-2005 budget, Governor McGreevey has proposed a new hazardous waste tax. The tax would add $25 per ton to the cost of disposal at the hazardous waste Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDF) throughout the state. This tax will add millions of dollars to disposal costs for these facilities that are already burdened excessively by taxes and regulations. Every hazardous waste disposal facility will be forced to leave the state for Pennsylvania or Delaware or close.

The effect will be disastrous to the state, leading to lost jobs, higher disposal costs for New Jersey businesses, and the increased threat of hauling hazardous waste out-of-state for disposal. With the current threat of terrorist's using weapons of mass destruction, the idea of transporting hazardous waste over bridges and through more Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersy neighborhoods is frightening.

I urge Governor McGreevey and all state legislators to consider the increased threat to New Jersey's safety and the loss of thousands of jobs that will result if this tax is passed. No tax is worth decreasing the safety of the citizens residing in the tri-state area.

I must disclose that I am in the environmental industry and that this tax would effect my business dramatically. That said, I oppose this tax for the reasons stated in the letter.