Are Increasing Electricity Prices Coming?

By: Glen Pisani, Great Eastern Energy

EPA regulations and their potential impact
Regulations proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could impact coal-fueled power plants and the cost of electricity over the next 10 years.

Many people support the EPA’s regulations to achieve long-term environmental benefits, protect customers and the economy and the reliability of the electric grid.  However, the cumulative impacts of the EPA’s current regulatory path have been questioned especially the cost projections and the potential increase of electricity costs throughout the economy.
More than 70% of all U.S. coal plants are already more than 30 years old, which was their original operating lifetime when designed.  One-third of these plants went online before 1970.  Some plant operators have announced that they will retire some old plants while others are planning to retrofit with modern pollution technology.  The electric power industry will need to invest approximately $505 billion in new generation from 2010 to 2030, in order to maintain a reliable supply of electricity.  This does not include any additional investment necessary to meet future federal climate change regulations.

Bed Bug Insurance...Really?

By Al Sica of The ALS Group 

The bed bug epidemic has now reached astronomical proportions.  Hotels, movie theaters, businesses, hospitals, dormitories, and apartments are all reporting infestations. According to a survey released by The National Pest Management Association, one out of every five Americans has had a bed bug problem or knows someone who has encountered an infestation in a residence or hotel. For a property owner, not only are these pests a nuisance, but can be very expensive and potentially a public relations nightmare. Two large insurers, Willis and Aon recently announced that they were offering specialized coverage to protect property owners, companies and individuals from losses.

Important Information about Damages from Tropical Storm Irene

By Larry Rosen, President Rifkin & Rosen Ultimate Property Loss Consultants

As a Public Adjuster who handles insurance claims for the homeowner, business owner and property owner I unfortunately come across situations where the owner has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover the damages.
Even though I don’t get involved in what type of relief may be available to the underinsured or the uninsured I decided to do some research in an effort to help those who may have sustained flood damages and other damages that are not insured and ease the process of getting government assistance.

I have discovered a critical update on Federal Government disaster assistance that is available for New Jersey residents harmed by Tropical Storm Irene.

President Obama issued a Major Disaster Declaration for damage resulting from Irene in our state, which makes many New Jersey residents eligible for a number of Federal disaster relief programs. These programs offer grants and loans to individuals and loans to businesses

Practicing Before A Historic Preservation Commission

By Anne Ward, Esq.
 
The following is a brief overview of the role of  Historic Preservation Commission and an attorney’s appearance before it.
The establishment of a Historic Preservation Commission is authorized by Municipal Land Use Law (“MLUL”) N.J.S. 40:55D-107, et seq., which also recognizes the validity of the creation of historic districts.  This authority was created in 1985 and acknowledges a generally held belief that the visual impact of the past is worthy of preservation, the exterior of buildings in historic areas should be retained, and that new development should be compatible with older sites.  The statute requires that every Commission have at least one member who is “a person who is knowledgeable in building design and construction or architectural history”; and “one person who is knowledgeable or with a demonstrated interest in local history”.[1]  Members must be citizens of the municipality and hold no other municipal office, except for membership on the planning board or board of adjustment.  Planning boards and boards of adjustment are the entities which share responsibility for interpreting and applying the zoning regulations of a municipality.[2]