>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS PROVIDED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GRADE FOR EVERY CHILD.

RWJ BARNABAS HEALTH, LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER, AND ORSTED, COMMITTED TO THE CREATION OF A NEW, LONG-TERM, SUSTAINABLE, CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.

♪ >>> FROM NJ PBS, THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS WITH BREANA VANNOZZI .

>>> GOOD EVENING, AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US THIS THURSDAY NIGHT.

I'M BREANA VANNOZZI.

YOU CAN SMOKE IT, THEY PUT IT, OR EVEN EAT IT, ALL LEGALLY KNOW IN NEW JERSEY.

THE RECREATIONAL CANNABIS MARKET IS OFFICIALLY OPEN FOR BUSINESS.

THE FIRST DISPENSARIES OPENED THIS MORNING TO LONG LINES THAT FORMED WELL BEFORE DAWN.

EAGER POT BUYERS HOPING TO BE AMONG THE FIRST IN THE STATE TO SAY THEY WERE THERE WHEN.

THE LEGAL MARKET IS THE CULMINATION OF YEARS OF POLITICAL BATTLES AND GRASSROOTS EFFORTS.

WHAT CAN YOU BUY?

IF YOU ARE 21 AND OLDER, UP TO AN OUNCE OF CANNABIS FOR RECREATIONAL USE, UP TO 5 GRAMS OF CONCENTRATES, RESINS, OR OILS, AND UP TO 100 MILLIGRAMS OF EDIBLES.

IT IS STILL ILLEGAL TO DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF MARIJUANA, AND YOU CANNOT BRING IT ACROSS STATE LINES.

AT LONG LAST, RESIDENTS TOLD SENIOR CORRESPONDENT BRENDA FLANAGAN, THEY CAN GET HIGH ON THEIR OWN SUPPLY.

>> I'VE BEEN SMOKING SINCE 1960.

>> Reporter: 81-YEAR-OLD PHIL McDONALD GOT IN THE LONG LINE AT ZEN LEAF, A CANNABIS DISPENSARY, AND SHARED STONER STORIES WHILE WAITING TO SHOP FOR LEGAL WEED.

HE'S ALWAYS ENJOYED A JOINT OR TWO.

>> NOW, AFTER BEING BUSTED A FEW TIMES OVER THE YEARS, NOW I CAN DO IT LEGALLY.

IT IS HARD TO REALLY COMPREHEND WHAT THIS STATE IS.

>> I'M EXCITED.

I FELT LIKE A KID AT CHRISTMAS LAST NIGHT.

FINALLY, NOT OSTRACIZED FOR SOMETHING BETTER THAN ALCOHOL.

MAC SALES AT ZEN LEAF MOVED SLOWLY AS SHOPPERS SAVORED THE SELECTION.

THEY COULD BUY BUD, OIL, DUMMIES.

PRICES RAN UP TO $45.

THE CASH FLOWED, NO CREDIT CARDS FOR AN INDUSTRY STILL CONSIDERED CONTRABAND BY THE FEDS, AS NEW JERSEY JOINT 17 OTHER STATES, PLUS THE NATION'S CAPITAL, LEGALIZING RECREATIONAL WEED.

THE CANNABIS REGULATORY COMMISSION SO FAR AUTHORIZED 13 DISPENSARIES, WITH MORE TO COME.

>> I DID NOT SEE THIS DAY COMING, TO BE HONEST.

LAWMAKERS, THE USUAL ARBORS THAT GOES ON, I JUST DIDN'T THINK IT WOULD EVER HAPPEN.

I DIDN'T THINK ANYONE WOULD AGREE TO IT.

>> Reporter: DISPENSARIES CAN SELL ONE OUNCE OF PRODUCT PER CUSTOMER PER DAY.

THEN LEIF SAYS IT HAS PLENTY ON HAND TO MEET DEMAND, WITHOUT IMPACTING SUPPLIES FOR MEDICINAL CLIENTS.

>> WE BUILD OUT OUR FACILITY FOR ADULT USE.

WE HAVE PLENTY OF SUPPLY TO SERVICE THE FOLKS HERE TODAY, AND THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AS WE SELL PRODUCTS TO OTHER STORE AS WELL.

>> Reporter: THEY COULDN'T ESTIMATE HOW MUCH PRODUCT IT WOULD SELL TODAY.

THE LINE MOVED SLOWLY.

OVER AT ASCEND, CUSTOMERS COULD LINE UP ONLY AFTER MAKING THE APPOINTMENT, AS THE DISPENSARY WORKED TO CONTROL TRAFFIC.

THEY ANTICIPATED UP TO 2000 SHOPPERS TODAY.

>> WE KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO SEE A STATE GO FOR MEDICAL TO ADULT USE.

WE KNOW WHAT WORKS AND WE KNOW IT DOESN'T.

I THINK CUSTOMERS WANT TO WAIT AND 3 TO 4 HOUR LINES.

FOUR MEDICAL OF THE DISPENSARIES MUST GIVE PRECEDENCE TO MEDICINAL CLIENTS, PROVIDING SEPARATE COUNTERS, SPECIAL HOURS, AND HOME DELIVERY.

IT'S BIG AND COMPLICATED, AND GETTING HERE TOOK YEARS OF CONTENTIOUS POLITICAL DEBATE.

2020 REFERENDUM GAVE THE THUMBS- UP TO LIGHT UP, PLUS 2 MORE YEARS OF WRANGLING REGULATIONS.

>> YOU SAW ALL THE FITS AND STARTS.

THIS WAS AN IMPOSSIBLE TASK AT SOME POINT.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU FOR GETTING THIS DONE.

>> Reporter: HE CHAMPIONED LEGAL WEED ALMOST 2 DECADES AGO.

GOVERNOR MURPHY EMITTED A CAMPAIGN PROMISE.

THEY TOURED ZEN LEAF TODAY, AND THE GOVERNOR CALLED THE NEW CANNABIS INJURY INDUSTRY, AN ECONOMIC ENGINE THAT COULD GENERATE $2 BILLION IN SALES OVER THE NEXT 4 YEARS.

>> THE LEGAL ADULT USE CANNABIS INDUSTRY WILL NOT ONLY BE THE FUTURE OF OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH, BUT THE ON ENSURING EFFORTS TO ENSURE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL EQUITY AND JUSTICE, AND TO UNDO THE DECADES OF DAMAGE TO OUR COMMUNITIES FROM THE FAILED WAR ON DRUGS.

4 EVEN AS THEY SHOPPED, PEOPLE FELT THE WEIGHT OF HISTORY BEING MADE, A CULTURAL SHIFT, AND EMOTIONS RAN HIGH ALONG MINORITIES LONG TARGETED DURING THE WAR ON DRUGS.

>> IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING FOR THIS TO COME.

>> Reporter: DARNELL DAVIS FELT IT WATCHING FOLKS REALLY PURCHASING BUT ONLY A FEW YEARS AGO WOULD HAVE GOTTEN THEM LOCKED UP.

IT FELT LIKE A RELEASE.

>> THAT IS DEFINITELY A PLUS, ESPECIALLY BEING AN AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE.

WE LOOK OVER OUR SHOULDER, AND GET NERVOUS EVERY TIME A COP PASSES US.

THIS IS ONE THING THAT WE DON'T HAVE TO FEEL THAT, OKAY, I AM SHAKING IN MY BOOTS.

>> WE ARE SITTING HERE TALKING ABOUT GETTING PULLED OVER FOR IT, GETTING ARRESTED FOR IT, AND THE RATING OF THAT HEATER, AND IT STAYS ON YOUR RECORD.

>> Reporter: YOU CAN GET THAT EXPUNGED.

>> THAT IS WHAT WE WERE JUST TALKING ABOUT.

>> Reporter: FOR NOW I'M OF THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY IS STILL DOMINATED BY CORPORATIONS, BUT MORE LICENSES ARE IN THE WORKS TARGETING MINORITIES AND WOMEN, FOLKS FROM DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS.

IT'S A BUSINESS THAT HAS GOT A LOT OF GROWING TO DO.

IN ELIZABETH, I'M BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> AS BRENDA MENTIONED, ONE OF THE MAIN ARGUMENTS FOR CREATING AN ADULT USE RECREATIONAL MARKET WAS THE CHANCE TO WIPE CLEAN DECADES OF CRIMINAL RECORDS FOR THOSE PREVIOUSLY CONVICTED OF MARIJUANA RELATED OFFENSES.

MORE THAN 360,000 NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS SAW IT HAPPEN AUTOMATICALLY, BUT AS WE REPORT, THERE ARE STILL PLENTY OF PEOPLE IN THE STATE WHO HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO CLEAR THEIR NAME.

COLLEEN JOINS US NOW.

>>> TALK TO ME ABOUT THIS.

HOW MANY CASES ARE BACKLOGGED?

HOW BACKLOGGED IS THE SYSTEM RIGHT NOW?

>> Reporter: UNFORTUNATELY WE DON'T KNOW HOW MANY CASES ARE BACKLOGGED.

THE COURTS CAN ESTIMATE THAT.

WE ONLY KNOW THAT LAWYERS ARE SAYING THAT THERE ARE MANY FOLKS OUT THERE WHO HAD THOUGHT THAT THEIR CASES WOULD BE AUTOMATICALLY EXPUNGED, AND THEN WERE DISMAYED TO FIND OUT THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN.

THE LAW PERMITTED FOR AUTOMATIC EXPUNGEMENT ONLY OF CERTAIN OFFENSES, FAIRLY SIMPLE ONES, SIMPLE POSSESSION, DISTRIBUTION OF LESS THAN 1 OUNCE, WHICH DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU STAND ON THIS, ADVOCATES SAY IS NOT A LARGE AMOUNT.

YOU KNOW, ALSO POSSESSION OF PARAPHERNALIA.

THOSE VERY SIMPLE CASES WERE EXPUNGED LAST FALL, ABOUT 362,000 OF THEM, BUT ANYONE WHO HAD A CASE THAT FELL BEYOND THAT , WHERE THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN OTHER CHARGES ATTACHED TO IT, DID NOT HAVE A CASE EXPUNGED.

>> IF YOU ARE ONE OF THOSE FOLKS WHO THOUGHT MY RECORD IS GOING TO BE AUTOMATICALLY CLEARED, WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

DO YOU HAVE ANY APPEALS IN THIS PROCESS?

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

>> Reporter: YOU GO TO COURT.

YOU CAN MAKE A PETITION, AND ASK A JUDGE.

THE PROBLEM IS THAT BEFORE ANY COUNTY PROSECUTOR WILL ALLOW THIS TO GO BEFORE A JUDGE, THEY WANT TO HEAR FROM THE STATE POLICE, WHICH DOES A REVIEW OF THE CASE.

WE ARE TOLD THAT IT IS AT THAT LEVEL, THE STATE POLICE LEVEL, WHERE THERE IS A HUGE BACKLOG.

THE STATE POLICE DID NOT GET BACK TO US TO SAY SPECIFICALLY WHY, WHETHER IT IS A MANPOWER ISSUE, WHETHER IT IS TOO MANY CASES, OR A COMBINATION OF BOTH.

WE ARE TOLD, AND THIS IS CERTAINLY A CONCERN FOR THOSE WITH THESE CHARGES, BUT IT IS ALSO FOR ANYONE WHO MAY BE LOOKING TO HAVE ANY PAST CRIME EXPUNGED.

WE ARE TOLD THERE IS A BACKLOG OF BETWEEN I'D SAY 1 YEAR FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS.

>> WHEN YOU TALK TO ADVOCATES, FOLKS WHO WERE REALLY PUSHING THE SOCIAL JUSTICE ELEMENT OF THIS, DO THEY FEEL LIKE IT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED, OR ABOUT TO BE?

WHERE DO THEY STAND?

>> Reporter: IT IS NOT ACHIEVED AT FOR MANY PEOPLE.

AS THEY POINT OUT, IT CAN BE VERY DIFFICULT TO GET A JOB WHEN YOU HAVE A DRUG CONVICTION IN YOUR PAST.

WE HAVE A NEW LAW THAT SAYS YOU CAN'T BE DENIED HOUSING, BUT THERE IS STILL A QUESTION ABOUT HOW WELL THAT IS WORKING.

A DRUG CONVICTION CAN ALSO HURT YOU IN TERMS OF HOUSING.

WHETHER THAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED YET, IT IS GOING TO TAKE MORE TIME UNTIL ALL OF THESE CASES CAN MAKE THEIR WAY THROUGH THE COURTS, AND EVERYONE CAN GET AN EXPUNGEMENT, ANYONE WHO DESERVES IT.

>> OF COURSE, FOLKS BEING ABLE TO PURCHASE THIS LEGALLY, I WOULD IMAGINE THAT THERE'S GOING TO BE A BIT OF UPROAR ABOUT THAT NOW THAT THE MARKET IS LAUNCHED.

>> Reporter: THAT WAS THE WHOLE REASON FOR THIS AUTOMATIC EXPUNGEMENT, BECAUSE NOW THAT THIS IS LEGAL, AND IT IS DECRIMINALIZED, DEPENDING ON HOW MUCH YOU HAVE IT IS DECRIMINALIZED OR LEGAL OUTRIGHT, ANYONE WITH A PAST OFFENSE SHOULD NOT BE PENALIZED FOR THAT, SO, YOU KNOW, THE COURTS HAVE WANTED TO GET THESE WIPED AWAY BEFORE THE LEGALIZATION TOOK EFFECT, BUT OBVIOUSLY THAT HASN'T COMPLETELY HAPPENED.

>> COLLEEN O'DEA FOR US, THANK YOU .

>>> FOR ALL OF YOUR CANNABIS QUESTIONS, LIKE WHERE TO PURCHASE OR HOW THE MARKET WORKS, AND YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS, CHECK OUT OUR POST ON NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG .

>>> A DIRE SITUATION AT THE BOMBED OUT STEEL PLANT IN UKRAINE SOUTHEASTERN CITY, MARIUPOL, WHERE THOUSANDS OF UKRAINIAN SOLDIERS AND CIVILIANS ARE HOLED UP, DYING UNDERGROUND, ACCORDING TO MILITARY OFFICIALS, WITH NEARLY NO FOOD, NO WATER, OR MEDICAL SUPPLIES LEFT , HOLDING OUT AGAINST A MUCH LARGER RUSSIAN FORCE.

RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN TODAY CLEANING SUCCESS AND VICTORY IN MARIUPOL , WHILE CANCELING PLANS TO STORM THE STEEL PLANTS, INSTEAD ORDERING HIS TROOPS TO BLOCK THE PLANT SO THAT, QUOTE, EVEN A FLY CANNOT GET THROUGH.

THE UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY ESTIMATES ROUGHLY 120,000 RESIDENTS ARE STILL TRAPPED IN THE BESIEGED CITY, ACCUSING RUSSIA OF BLOCKING HUMANITARIAN QUARTER DOORS FOR CIVILIANS TO ESCAPE.

PRESENT BIDEN THAT IT IS QUESTIONABLE AS TO WHETHER RUSSIA AND FACTORS CONTROL MARIUPOL , PLEDGING MORE MONEY TO UKRAINE, INCLUDING HEAVY ARTILLERY, TACTICAL DRONES, AND AMMUNITION, AS UKRAINE ENTERS WHAT HE CALLS A CRITICAL WINDOW OF THE WAR, AND HAS ANOTHER $500 MILLION IN ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO HELP UKRAINE'S GOVERNMENT, AND A NEW PROGRAM, UNITE FOR UKRAINE, TO EXPEDITE LEGAL MIGRATION FOR REFUGEES SEEKING TO COME TO THE U.S., VOWING THAT PRESIDENT PUTIN WOULD, QUOTE, NEVER SUCCEED IN DOMINATING AND OCCUPYING ALL OF UKRAINE.

>> THE BATTLE OF KYIV WAS A HISTORIC VICTORY FOR THE UKRAINIANS.

IT WAS A VICTORY FOR FREEDOM, WON BY THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE, WITH UNPRECEDENTED ASSISTANCE FROM THE UNITED STATES, AND HER ALLIES, AND OUR PARTNERS.

THAT WE HAVE TO ACCELERATE THAT ASSISTANCE PACKAGE TO HELP PREPARE UKRAINE FOR RUSSIA'S OFFENSIVE THAT IS GOING TO BE MORE LIMITED IN TERMS OF GEOGRAPHY, BUT NOT IN TERMS OF BRUTALITY.

NOT IN TERMS OF BRUTALITY.

>> MEANWHILE, THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION IS APPEALING A FEDERAL COURT RULING OVERTURNING THE MASK MANDATE FOR PASSENGERS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, AFTER THE CDC FOUND THE ROLE WAS NECESSARY TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE CORONAVIRUS.

BUT THE APPEAL DOESN'T CHANGE THE REMOVAL OF THE MASK MANDATE FOR NOW.

THAT WOULD REQUIRE A REQUEST FOR A STAY OF THE JUDGE'S RULING.

THE WHITE HOUSE SAYING THE DECISION TO APPEAL WAS ALSO AN EFFORT TO PRESERVE THE CD THESE AUTHORITY MOVING FORWARD SHOULD THE PANDEMIC WORSEN.

ACROSS NEW JERSEY TODAY, CASES SPIKED MORE THAN 2300 REPORTED, AND SEVEN MORE TESTS.

WE NOW KNOW THE TOTAL COVID HAS TAKEN ON PEOPLE BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY.

THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REPORTS A 25% INCREASE IN THE PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY WORLDWIDE DURING JUST THE FIRST YEAR OF THE PANDEMIC ALONE.

REFERRING TO THE STUDY AS A WAKE-UP CALL TO STEP UP MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND SUPPORT.

AS RAVEN SANTANA REPORTS, NEW JERSEY IS HEEDING THE WARNING.

>>> LEARNING HOW TO IDENTIFY WHAT IS ACTUAL SADNESS, AND WHAT IS TRUE DEPRESSION.

I THINK THAT IS SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE MISS.

FOR MAC FRAN LOST HER OLDEST SON BY SUICIDE RIGHT BEFORE HE TURNED 18.

SHE SAYS HE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION 6 YEARS BEFORE HE TOOK HIS LIFE.

>> NOW WHEN PEOPLE TRY TO ACCESS THE SERVICES, A LOT OF TIMES I DON'T KNOW HOW TO.

>> Reporter: SHE IS NOW ON A MISSION TO MAKE SURE THOSE THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE HAVE THE SUPPORT THEY NEED HERE IN JERSEY.

SHE JOINED REPRESENTATIVE MIKEY CHERYL, STAFF, AND THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION, AND OTHER PANELISTS FOR A SUICIDE PREVENTION ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION.

>> THE NEWS IS NOT OKAY TO NEW JERSEY, BECAUSE OUR YOUTH SUICIDE RATE CONTINUES TO INCREASE, THE SUICIDE RATE AMONG THE ELDERLY CONTINUES TO INCREASE, AND THE SUICIDE RATE AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS CONTINUES TO INCREASE, AND THE SUICIDE RATE AMONG YOUNG AFRICAN AMERICAN BOYS CONTINUES TO INCREASE.

>> Reporter: DURING THE EVENT, THE CONGRESSWOMAN DISCUSSED THE IMPORTANCE OF DIRECT FEDERAL FUNDING BEING SECURED TO SUICIDE PREVENTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS.

A CHECK FOR THREE HAD $1000 WAS PRESENTED TO THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF F6 AND MORRIS, WHICH IS PART OF THE FUNDING SHE CHAMPIONED FOR THE STATE.

>> Reporter: THIS IS REALLY DIRECTED AT TEEN SUICIDE AWARENESS, SO TRYING TO GET TO YOUNG PEOPLE BEFORE THE WORST, LIKE TRY TO MAKE SURE THERE IS AWARENESS THAT THERE IS EDUCATION, THAT TEENS KNOW WHO TO GO TO, A TRUSTED ADULT, IF THEY ARE HAVING THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE.

>> TERRENCE I SPOKE TO HEARSAY ACCESS TO RESOURCES IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES WHEN IT COMES TO PREVENTING SUICIDE.

>> WE WENT TO THE PEDIATRICIAN.

THEY JUST GAVE US A LIST OF PEOPLE, WHICH IS A STOCK LIST OF NUMBERS.

YOU KEEP DOING ALL THE RESEARCH ONLINE, BUT IT IS ALL ONLINE.

IT DOESN'T REALLY HELP YOU WHEN THERE IS CRISIS.

>> Reporter: HER SON LOST HIS BATTLE WITH MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER ON JULY 29, 2021, AT AGE 14.

HE, LIKE OTHERS, INTERNALIZED HIS DEPRESSION SO MUCH, THAT WAS HARD TO UNDERSTAND OR EVEN TELL THAT HE WAS IN PAIN, THE SAME PAIN THAT WENDY ESSEX SAYS SHE FELT WHEN SHE LOST HER SON TO SUICIDE, AND SHE HAS NOW MADE IT HER MISSION.

>> THAT'S THE PROBLEM.

GOT A TIME WHEN YOU ARE IN CRISIS, BECAUSE YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT A LOVED ONE WHO IS TALKING ABOUT SUICIDE, WE DON'T GO TO THE NORMAL PEOPLE THAT WE WOULD GO TO BECAUSE OF THE STIGMA.

>> SO MANY INDIVIDUALS WHO DIE BY SUICIDE HAVE ACTUALLY SEEN THEIR PRIMARY CARE PRACTITIONER WITHIN 30 DAYS OF DYING BY SUICIDE.

>> Reporter: ALL THREE MOMS ARE NOW HOPING THE FUNDING WILL HELP RAISE AWARENESS ON WHERE TO GO WHEN FAMILIES OR INDIVIDUALS FIND THEMSELVES IN A CRISIS.

STILL, HEALTH PROFESSIONALS SAY THE BEST WAY TO OVERCOME THE STIGMA OF MENTAL HEALTH IS TO BE AWARE, NOT SCARED, OF THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS.

>> THEN WE WANT TO ASK THE QUESTION DIRECTLY, ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE.

THIS IS ONE OF THE GREATEST MYTHS WHEN IT COMES TO SUICIDE, IS THAT PEOPLE FEEL LIKE I CAN'T ASK THAT QUESTION, BECAUSE IT IS GOING TO PUT THAT IDEA IN THEIR HEAD.

THAT IS ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE.

BY ASKING THAT QUESTION, WE ALLOW SOMEONE TO TALK ABOUT SOME SCARY STUFF THAT THEY MIGHT BE FEELING.

>> Reporter: FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I MET RAVEN SANTANA.

>>> AHEAD OF EARTH DAY, TAKING A STAND FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE.

RESIDENTS IN THE IRONBOUND NEIGHBORHOOD IN NEWARK ARE DEMANDING THAT THE PASSAIC VALLEY SEWAGE COMMISSION SCRAP A PLAN TO BUILD A GAS POWERED PLANT IN THE COMMUNITY, MAKING IT THE FOURTH FOSSIL FUELED POWER PLANT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, WHICH IS ALSO HOME TO AN INCINERATOR, SUPERFUND SITE, HEAVY DIESEL TRUCK TRAFFIC FROM NEARBY PORT NEWARK AND ELIZABETH.

NOW HEALTH EXPERTS AND LOCAL LEADERS ARE RAISING THEIR VOICES OPPOSING THE PLAN IN WHAT THEY CALL THE POLLUTION BURDEN IT WILL BRING.

TED GOLDBERG REPORTS.

>> Reporter: PEOPLE IN THE IRONBOUND ARE PROTESTING A POSSIBLE FOURTH POWER PLANT IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THE PASSAIC VALLEY SEWAGE COMMISSION WANTS TO BUILD A GAS PLANT DESPITE MORE THAN 100 HEALTH PROFESSIONAL SENDING A LETTER TO GOVERNOR MURPHY OPPOSING IT.

THEY ARE NOT CONVINCED THE PLANT WILL BE ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE.

>> THE BURDEN OF PROOF IS ON SOMEONE, A POLLUTER ESSENTIALLY, OR SOMEONE WHO'S GOING TO CREATE POLLUTION TO PROVE THAT IT IS NOT GOING TO BE HAVING AN ADDED DELETERIOUS EFFECT ON THE COMMUNITY.

>> I STILL THINK THEY NEED TO DO MORE.

I THINK THEY NEED TO SIT DOWN FACE-TO-FACE AND SAY, LOOK, WE ARE GOING TO DO ANYTHING ELSE UNTIL WE HAVE THESE INTIMATE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE RESIDENTS, AND WITH THE GROUPS LIKE I BEEN COMMUNITY CORPORATION.

>> Reporter: THIS IS THE FIRST BIG TEST FOR NEW JERSEY'S ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE LAW, WHICH MURPHY SIGNED IN 2020.

IT GIVES THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION THE POWER TO DENY POLLUTION PERMITS TO FACILITIES THAT HAVE A DISPROPORTIONATE NEGATIVE IMPACT ON WHAT IS CONSIDERED AN OVERBURDENED COMMUNITY.

THE IRONBOUND IS CONSIDERED AN OVERBURDENED COMMUNITY, BUT THE TECHNICAL RULES FOR ENFORCING THE LAW STILL HAVE NOT BEEN WRITTEN, SO PEOPLE IN NEWARK ARE STUCK IN LIMBO.

>> THIS LAW IS SUPPOSED TO PROTECT COMMUNITY OF COLOR AND LOW INCOME COMMUNITIES FROM EXCESSIVE POLLUTION, COMMUNITIES LIKE THE ONE WE ARE STANDING IN NOW.

THE LAW IS GOING TO GO INTO EFFECT VERY SOON.

WE ARE READING FOR REGULATIONS TO BE ISSUED.

PORT úIMMUNITY IS CONSIDERED OVERBURDENED A 40% OF ITS RESIDENTS ARE MINORITIES, OR OF 35% OF ITS HOUSEHOLDS ARE LOW INCOME.

>> ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE INCORPORATES NOT ONLY RACE, BUT CLASS, AND THE CORRELATION BETWEEN THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF POLLUTION, AND THE RACE AND INCOME OF RESIDENTS, IS, WELL, ON A SUITABLE.

>> Reporter: OTHERS IN NEWARK ARE PROTESTING BY COUNTING THE TRUCKS DRIVING ILLEGALLY THROUGH PARTS OF THEIR CITY.

TRANSPORTATION IS THE STATE'S LARGEST SOURCE OF AIR POLLUTION, AND TRUCKS IN THE IRONBOUND MAKE IT HARDER TO BREATHE.

>> THIS STREET RIGHT HERE IS NOT A TRUCK ROUTE, AND WE HAVE CARS THAT ARE COMING UP AND DOWN THIS CORRIDOR.

RIGHT BEHIND US IS A COMMUNITY CENTER.

>> Reporter: RODRIGUEZ SAYS THAT NEWARK CAN'T TAKE ANOTHER POWER PLANT.

THE PVSC HAS PREVIOUSLY SAID IT IS COMMITTED TO WORKING WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS TO MINIMIZE IMPACT.

THEY ARE HOSTING A VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING NEXT WEEK.

>> WITH NEWARK, WE ARE FACED WITH SO MANY POLLUTING INDUSTRIES, WHETHER IT IS THE AIRPORT, THE TRUCKS THAT ARE COMING BY, THE PASSAIC VALLEY SEWAGE FACILITY, ONE OF THE BIGGEST SEWAGE FACILITIES ON THIS PART OF THE COAST, AS WELL AS COVAN TO, GARBAGE INCINERATOR PAIR GETTING ALL OF THAT TOGETHER, IT IS AFFECTING US.

>> IF YOU LIVE IN A COMMUNITY NEAR INDUSTRY, NEAR HIGHWAYS, NEAR FACILITIES, IT IS MUCH MORE LIKELY THAT YOU ARE BREATHING UNHEALTHY AIR, AND THE HEALTH EFFECTS ARE GOING TO BE SHOWN, WHETHER WE ARE TALKING ABOUT ASTHMA ATTACKS, HEART ATTACKS, OTHER CARDIOVASCULAR ISSUES, THAT THAT EXPOSURE TO THOSE SOURCES ARE ABSOLUTELY RAISED, AND WE NEED TO DO MORE TO FIGHT AIR POLLUTION, ESPECIALLY IN THOSE COMMUNITIES.

>> Reporter: THE AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION RELEASED ITS STATE OF THE AIR REPORT TODAY.

WHILE IT WAS GOOD NEWS FOR MOST OF NEW JERSEY, ESSEX COUNTY, WHERE THE IRONBOUND DISTRICT SITS, WAS THE STATES ONLY COUNTY TO RECORD AN INCREASE IN GROUND-LEVEL SMOG OVER THE LAST 3 YEARS, MORE EVIDENCE FOR RESIDENTS WHO SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

I'M TED GOLDBERG, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> FOR A DEEPER DIVE INTO THE ANNUAL AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION'S AIR QUALITY REPORT, AND THE IMPACT ON COMMUNITIES OF COLOR, CHECK OUT TOM JOHNSON'S REPORTING AT NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG.

>>> IT SEEMS EVERYONE IS VYING FOR A PIECE OF THE PIE , AND SO BUDGET SEASON GOES.

RHONDA SCHAFFLER HAS THE LATEST ON STATEHOUSE HEARINGS, AND TONIGHT'S TOP HEADLINES.

>> Reporter: THE ROAD TO A NEW STATE BUDGET TAKES TIME, AND LAWMAKERS CONTINUE TO GATHER INPUT ON HOW NEW JERSEY SHOULD ALLOCATE ITS REVENUE.

TODAY, THE SENATE BUDGET COMMITTEE HEARD FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC GIVING EVERYONE 3 MINUTES TO STATE THE REQUEST.

THERE WERE CALLS FOR MORE FUNDING FOR EDUCATION, CHILD CARE, AND PROGRAMS TO HELP LOW INCOME RESIDENTS.

CITIZEN ACTION TESTIFIED THAT MORE MONEY WAS NEEDED FOR PROGRAMS PROVIDING FRIEND, MARKETS, AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE.

THERE WAS A REQUEST FOR MORE FUNDING FOR UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, AS WELL AS OTHER HEALTHCARE PROGRAMS, A CALL TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR SECURITY GRANTS AWARDED TO FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS FACING BIASED THREATS AND INCIDENTS, AND THERE WAS ALSO A REQUEST FOR STABLE FUNDING FOR THE ARTS.

BUDGET HEARINGS CONTINUE NEXT WEEK.

A HEATED HEARING IN WASHINGTON, D.C. TODAY, AS THE HEAD OF THE IRS WENT BEFORE A HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE.

THE IRS COMMISSIONER CHARLES REDDING WAS PEPPERED WITH QUESTIONS DURING THE OVERSIGHT HEARING.

LAWMAKERS WERE ASKING WHY WEALTHY PEOPLE ARE NOT PAYING THEIR FAIR SHARE OF TAXES, AND DEMANDED TO KNOW WHY IT IS TAKING THE IRS SO LONG TO GET OUT REFUNDS.

THE COMMISSIONER SAID THE AGENCY IS TRYING TO WORK THROUGH A BACKLOG OF CLAIMS.

>> IT'S RIGHT AROUND 5 MILLION PAPER RETURNS, AND WE HAVE GONE TO AN ALL HANDS ON DECK AREA.

WE'VE BROUGHT IN, I THINK YOU HEARD ABOUT, SURGE TEAMS, EXPERIENCED PEOPLE BUT INTO PRODUCT CLASS THE RETURNS.

WE BROUGHT IN CONTRACTORS, DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN.

>> Reporter: MEANWHILE, THEY SAY IT IS TAKING UP TO 3 TO 4 MONTHS TO ISSUE REFUNDS FOR TAX RETURNS WITH THE RECOVERY REBATE CREDIT, EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT, AND ADDITIONAL CHILD TAX CREDIT.

A NEW $40 MILLION REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED IN PATTERSON.

A CENTURY-OLD SILK MILL IS BEING RENOVATED INTO A MIXED- USE DEVELOPMENT, THAT WILL INCLUDE APARTMENTS.

THE GREAT FALLS LOFTS PROJECT IS LOCATED NEXT TO THE STADIUM AND GREAT FALLS NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK.

AS COVID CASES EASE, WE ARE TRAVELING AGAIN, AND AIRLINES ARE SAYING THEY ARE SEEING STRONG DEMAND.

UNITED, WHICH HAS A MAJOR HUB IN NEWARK, SAYS IT EXPECTS TO TURN A PROFIT THIS YEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE BEFORE THE PANDEMIC.

NOW, HERE IS A CHECK ON TODAY'S STOCK MARKET ACTION.

RHONDA SCHAFFLER, AND THOSE ARE YOUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>>> SUPPORT FOR THE BUSINESS REPORT PROVIDED BY NJCU SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, A GAME CHANGING FORCE OFFERING PROGRAMS LIKE FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY, OR BUSINESS ANALYTICS, AND DATA SCIENCE.

WE ARE STEPS AWAY FROM THE EXCHANGE PLACE PATH TRAIN IN JERSEY CITY, AND MINUTES FROM WALL STREET.

LEARN MORE AT NJCU.ORG/GAMECHANGER.

>>> AND JOIN RHONDA SCHAFFLER FOR NJ BUSINESS BE THIS WEEKEND, AND WHY PETS ARE PROVING TO BE INFLATION PROOF, AND HOW NEW JERSEY WILL PLAY A KEY ROLE IN TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF VETERINARIANS.

WATCH SATURDAY MORNING AT 10:00 A.M. ON THE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

♪ >>> AND THAT DOES IT FOR US TONIGHT, BUT TUNE IN TOMORROW MORNING TO "REPORTERS ROUNDTABLE" WITH SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT DAVID CRUZ.

TOMORROW IS EARTH DAY , AND DAVID TALKS WITH THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NEW JERSEY LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS ABOUT TOP ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN THE STATE, AND OF COURSE, THE UPCOMING PLASTIC BAG BAN.

PLUS, A PANEL OF LOCAL REPORTERS TALKING ALL OF THE BIG POLITICAL HEADLINES OF THE WEEK.

THAT IS FRIDAY MORNING AT 10:00 A.M. ON THE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

I'M BREANA VANNOZZI.

FOR THE ENTIRE TEAM, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US TONIGHT.

>>> NJM INSURANCE GROUP, SERVING THE INSURANCE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS, AND BY THE PSEG FOUNDATION.

>>> RHONDA SCHAFFLER WILL PROVIDE RENEWABLE OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY, JOBS, EDUCATIONAL, SUPPLY-CHAIN, AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GARDEN STATE.

ORSTED, COMMITTED TO THE CREATION OF A NEW, LONG-TERM , SUSTAINABLE, CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.

ONLINE AT US.ORSTED.COM .

>>> OUR FUTURE RELIES ON MORE THAN ENERGY.

OUR FUTURE RELIES ON EMPOWERED COMMUNITIES, THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR FAMILIES AND NEIGHBORS, OF OUR SCHOOLS AND STREETS.

THE PSEG FOUNDATION IS COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY, EQUITY , AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT, INVESTING IN PARKS, HELPING TOWNS GO GREEN, SUPPORTING CIVIC CENTERS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENTS THAT STRICKLAND STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY.

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