Ten years ago, the Highlands Act was signed into law.  This important legislation has helped secure clean drinking water for 5.4 million New Jerseyans and has been a boon to our quality of life.  I am proud of what we have accomplished so far, and am looking forward to continuing the work necessary to protect the interests of our state's future success.

McKeon Marks 10^th Anniversary of Landmark Highlands Act

            (TRENTON) – As one of the prime sponsors of the Highlands Preservation Act, Assembly Environment Committee Vice-Chair John McKeon on Monday joined with the Sierra Club and other environmental leaders throughout New Jersey in marking the 10-year anniversary of the landmark law.

“As the most densely-populated state in the nation, nearly every corner of New Jersey has been threatened at one time or another by overdevelopment, but none carried consequences as weighty as the Highlands.

“The breadth and scope of the Highland’s impact on our state is staggering.  Had we not acted 10 years ago, I shudder to think of the consequences that would be playing out today.

“The residents it nourishes, the industries it supports, the wildlife it serves as refuge to – the vitality of all of these things depends on a vibrant, protected Highlands.

“Are we out of the woods yet?  No.  Have we come a long way?  Yes.  And I’m confident that together we’ll be able to accomplish what still needs to be done to protect this vast eco-system for future generations.

“With nearly two-thirds of our state receiving its drinking water from the Highlands, we have no choice but to continue the good fight,” said McKeon (D-Essex/Morris).