McClellan Moves to Restore Checks and Balances on Environmental Regulations

A4971 prohibits DEP and other State agencies from adopting certain rules and regulations without Legislative approval.

Assemblyman Antwan McClellan introduced legislation, A4971, which prohibits New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and other State agencies from adopting certain rules and regulations without Legislative approval. 

Currently, the NJDEP has the authority to pass major and sometimes unnecessary restrictions and regulations on homeowners and business owners without ever going through the state legislature. These are non-elected agency officials making the rules and regulations in towns across New Jersey. 

McClellan explained that this opens the door for higher project costs, delayed permits, and stricter mandates. 

“Agencies should enforce the law, not write it.” said Assemblyman McClellan, pointing to the recent NJPACT rules as a clear example of regulatory overreach. “Policies this far-reaching for homeowners and communities should be decided by the people they elected… not unelected agencies.

“This legislation reins in power, restores checks and balances, and puts accountability back where it belongs… with the Legislature and the people we serve.”