Economic Development
Infrastructure Update – Week of May 18, 2026
This Week in Policy, Energy Infrastructure & Transportation
Economic Development
Infrastructure Update – Week of May 4, 2026
Welcome to the first infrastructure update, a weekly newsletter highlighting infrastructure news in New Jersey and neighboring states.
Economy
New York’s State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) at the crossroads: SEQRA’s impact on housing and infrastructure, and the debate over reform
SEQRA, once a pioneering environmental law, is now at the center of a debate about how the state can address its housing crisis and build for the future while protecting the environment.
Economy
Sherrill signs nuclear reform law at Salem, positioning state for clean‑energy renaissance [BINJE]
Governor Mikie Sherrill signed legislation at the Salem Nuclear Power Plant removing a decades-old barrier that effectively blocked new nuclear development. With demand rising and energy costs climbing, state leaders are positioning New Jersey to lead the next generation of clean, carbon-free power.
Economy
Climate law mandates could cost New Yorkers $4,000 in higher energy bills, state analysis shows [City & State]
"Gov. Kathy Hochul suggested on Thursday that the cost of fully complying to the state’s climate law could cost average New Yorkers up to...
Economy
Sherrill Budget Address Transcript and Word Cloud
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ugfYxy84Gc
Word cloud of frequently-used words
FULL TRANSCRIPT
Lieutenant Governor Caldwell.Senate President Scutari. Speaker Coughlin. Majority Leaders Ruiz Greenwald. Republican Leaders Bucco DiMaio. Members of the 222nd...
Economy
Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners passes resolution authorizing use of Project Labor Agreements
On February 26, 2026, the Board of Monmouth County Commissioners has passed a resolution authorizing all Monmouth County departments to use Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) on public...
Economy
Sherrill unveils budget plan centered on spending cuts and tax stability [BINJE]
Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s first budget proposal emphasizes no new taxes and spending cuts as New Jersey works to close a projected deficit.
Economy
NJBIA, Building, Labor Groups Urge Sherrill Administration to Reconsider DEP Land Use Rules [New Jersey Business]
"We strongly support efforts to improve climate resilience and environmental protection. However, these goals must be pursued in a manner that is economically sound, administratively efficient, and compatible with New Jersey’s urgent need for housing, investment, and job creation."
Economy
New Jersey Gives Municipalities New Construction Tool with Landmark PLA Expansion
"The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Legislature — passing the General Assembly by a 63–10 vote and the Senate by a 35–4 margin — an uncommon show of unity in today’s political climate."
Economy
Homeowners may pay more to appeal property tax assessments in NJ [NJ Spotlight News]
New Jersey lawmakers are considering a plan to raise the fee homeowners must pay to challenge their property tax assessments with county tax boards. The filing fees haven’t been updated in decades, and under the legislation the cost to appeal could go up by roughly $50 for many residents.
Drinking Water
2025 Lead Pipe Funding: The Good, the Bad, and the Big Opportunities Ahead [Environmental Policy Innovation Center]
"This blog breaks down what changed, what didn’t, and why it matters for a faster and more efficient distribution of lead pipe funding nationwide."
Economy
New Jersey tolls, transit fares and bike-share prices rising in 2026 [nj.com]
Transportation costs rising in 2026: New Jersey tolls, transit fares and bike share rates are increasing for drivers, riders and cyclists alike. Plan ahead for higher costs on toll roads and bike-share trips.
Economy
EV Sales Are in the Tank. So What Happens Next? [Inside Climate News]
"The sudden removal of federal tax credits led to a cratering of U.S. electric vehicle sales. But the future is brighter than you may expect."
Economy
California reconsidering 2035 gas car ban [Inside EVs]
This reconsideration highlights the tension between ambitious climate goals and practical implementation, with California’s decision likely to influence national and global EV policy discussions.
Economy
NJBIA 67th Business Outlook Survey: Increased Energy Costs, Tariffs Further NJ’s Business Affordability Malaise [NJBIA]
"On a national level, tariffs, or the uncertainty around them, proved difficult for some. And on a statewide front, rampant energy cost increases also served as a strong and largely unexpected deterrent to profits."
Public Policy
What is FRA contract review? …and why it’s slowing the Gateway Project
The Gateway Tunnel hit a slowdown, and it's not underground. Federal contract reviews and DBE rule changes are holding up funding. Here’s how paperwork is stalling a $16B project.
Economy
Gateway tunnel project moves ahead despite federal funding freeze [NJ BIZ]
Work on the Gateway Tunnel continues even as federal funding uncertainty lingers. The $16B project will add nine miles of new passenger rail connecting NJ and NY through a two-tube tunnel beneath the Hudson River.
Economy
Op-Ed: Who Holds our Legislators & Elected Officials Accountable?
"If New Jersey is truly committed to incentivizing the development of new generation mixes in-state to meet growing electricity demand, then natural gas must be part of the plan and included in the EMP."