Heading an expert panel on site remediation, moderator Don Richardson of Environmental Waste Management Associates noted the importance of the ongoing decision-making process for the LSRP program's final rules. Stephen Santola of Woodmont Properties agreed that LSRP "cannot be allowed to fail. This has really been a bipartisan program with buy-in from the industry and the DEP." He questioned whether the lending community understands the program, and urged that the LSRP concept be expanded into land use.

Attorney Andrew Robins of Giordano Halleran & Ciesla conceded that there have been some misconceptions and a lack of knowledge about LSRP, and perhaps some basis for caution. "I am finding that I have to be a 'drum major' for the program," he said. Robins also applauded improved relations with the DEP under the new administration.

As part of a panel of land use experts, Diana Fainberg of Diana E. Fainberg Inc., lauded a recent administrative order preventing the DEP from withdrawing sewer service for reasons of deadlines and other strictures—reversing a bill vetoed by former Gov. Jon Corzine. Tony DiLodovico voiced his support for the extension of the DEP's storm water rules by the Christie Administration, mentioning that the previous administration was set to let them expire. And while noting that there haven't yet been many initiatives relating to fresh water wetlands regulations, Todd Terhune of Wolff & Samson pointed to activity in the form of new mitigation requirements relating to general permits and to stiffened enforcement penalties.

Moderating the land use panel, George Jacobs of Jacobs Enterprises noted that he had once lost a project because of a four-and-a-half year wait tied to regulatory delays but concluded, "I hope the new philosophy at the DEP translates over time. I am optimistic."