(The Center Square) — Democratic New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has instituted a 90-day freeze on new regulations in a move aimed at streamlining bureaucracy and reducing costs for taxpayers.
Sherrill said under the executive order, signed Friday, her administration will “review proposed regulations in the pipeline and deliver lasting, positive change for communities across the state.”
“I am committed to putting New Jersey residents first and ensuring our state government truly works for the people it serves,” she said in a statement. “This means breaking down red tape, eliminating bureaucracy, and saving New Jerseyans’ time and money.”
Under the order, state agencies that have pending proposed rules will notify Sherrill’s office by Feb. 2, of any proposals “whose non-adoption will adversely impact public health or security or obstruct essential operations, among other considerations.” Sherrill will then “consider whether to lift the pause on those proposals before the end of the 90-day pause.”
Sherrill, a former Navy pilot and four-term congresswoman, was sworn into office last week. She replaced outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat who was prevented from seeking reelection because of term limits.
She campaigned on a pledge to improve the state’s affordability by reducing rising energy and housing costs for New Jerseyans, as Republicans hammered Murphy over his tax-and-spend policies.
Shortly after she was sworn into office, Sherill signed executive orders declaring a state of emergency on energy and “freezing” rates charged by utility companies and another encouraging the development of nuclear and solar power to meet the state’s energy needs.
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association was among the groups that praised Sherrill for pausing any new rules and regulations as she takes over the governorship.
“Obviously, the business community has been very concerned about pending regulations left over from the Murphy administration which we feel will do great damage to the economy – most notably the proposed Department of Labor’s independent contractor rules, data privacy rules under the Attorney General’s office, and several others,” Michele Siekerka, NJBIA’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “But beyond that, Governor Sherrill’s pause on the proposed regs is simply good governance.”
“With this change in leadership, it’s important to take account of what is pending and what is proposed to ensure it aligns with the Sherrill administration’s priorities,” Siekerka said.
