TRENTON, NJ – If you take out all of the things New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and his Democrat majority allies in Trenton banned during the COVID-19 pandemic, you can still create quite a hefty list of active and proposed bans in New Jersey.
Governor Phil Murphy is the state’s “Banner” in Chief. Forget banning indoor dining, church services, in-school learning, and the rest during the pandemic; Murphy has banned a lot of things since taking office. Some bans were good. Some were bad. Many were just ugly.
Murphy of New Jersey has implemented various policies and regulations since taking office to protect the environment, promote public health, and advance social justice and well, who knows why on some other things.
Here are some of the things banned by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy since he took office.
Single-Use Plastic Bags
Governor Murphy took a crucial step towards reducing plastic waste by banning single-use plastic bags. This policy encourages the use of reusable bags and aims to combat environmental pollution.
Smoking in Public Parks, Beaches, and Boardwalks
In an effort to create healthier environments, Governor Murphy implemented a ban on smoking in public parks, beaches, and boardwalks, safeguarding both public health and the enjoyment of outdoor spaces.
Smoking in Atlantic City Casinos
Phil Murphy implemented the temporary smoking ban, the subsequent lifting of the ban, and the advocacy efforts of CEASE (Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects) in relation to smoking regulations in New Jersey. However, as restrictions eased, the ban was lifted.
Conversion Therapy
To protect LGBTQ+ individuals from harmful practices, Governor Murphy banned conversion therapy. This ban upholds the rights and dignity of all residents, ensuring that no one is subjected to discrimination or harm based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“Ghost Guns”
Governor Murphy addressed concerns related to untraceable firearms by banning the possession and sale of “ghost guns,” which can be assembled from parts without serial numbers. This ban aims to enhance public safety and prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.
High-Capacity Magazines
Governor Murphy signed legislation to ban high-capacity magazines, limiting the number of rounds they can hold. This measure is designed to reduce the potential for mass shootings and enhance law enforcement’s ability to respond effectively to such incidents. The magazine ban has not impacted New Jersey violent crime statistics.
Bear Hunting on State-Owned Land
In an effort to protect wildlife, Governor Murphy banned bear hunting on state-owned land, promoting the coexistence of humans and wildlife while preserving the ecological balance. Instead, the ban had a negative consequence. There are too many bears roaming neighborhoods in New Jersey causing some dangerous interactions between the animals and people. In 2022, Murphy reimplemented the bear hunt on state-owned lands.
Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling
Governor Murphy took a stand against offshore oil and gas drilling by banning these activities in state waters. This ban safeguards New Jersey’s coastal environment, marine life, and coastal communities from the potential risks associated with drilling.
Fracking Waste Disposal
Recognizing the potential environmental and health hazards associated with fracking waste, Governor Murphy banned its disposal in New Jersey. This ban protects the state’s water resources and public health.
Circus Animal Performances
Governor Murphy signed legislation to ban circus animal performances, promoting the ethical treatment of animals and taking a stand against animal cruelty. New Jersey was the first state to ban circus animals.
Child Marriage
Governor Murphy raised the minimum age for marriage to 18, effectively banning child marriages in New Jersey. This measure protects minors from forced marriages, exploitation, and other detrimental consequences.
Ivory Sales
To combat the illegal ivory trade and protect endangered species, Governor Murphy banned the sale and trade of ivory products in New Jersey.
Single-Use Styrofoam Containers
In an effort to reduce plastic waste, Governor Murphy banned the use of single-use styrofoam food containers, encouraging the adoption of more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Tackle Football for Children Under 12
Governor Murphy and Democrats put forth a law prohibiting children under the age of 12 from participating in tackle football, aiming to reduce the risk of long-term brain injuries. So far, that law has not been passed.
Balloon Releases
Recognizing the environmental harm caused by balloon releases, Governor Murphy banned these events to protect wildlife and prevent littering.
Vaping in Indoor Public Spaces
Governor Murphy banned vaping in indoor public spaces to protect public health and prevent exposure to potentially harmful substances.
Plastic Straws
Single use plastic straws were banned in New Jersey beginning on November 4, 2021. Food service businesses shall only provide a single-use plastic straw to a customer upon request by the customer. Food service businesses are required to keep an adequate supply of single-use plastic straws. Stores may continue to sell packages of single-use plastic straws and provide/sell a beverage pre-packaged by the manufacturer with a single-use plastic straw, i.e., juice boxes.
Gasoline Powered Cars
New Jersey is taking a significant step towards a greener future by becoming the sixth state in the United States to prohibit the sale of new gasoline-powered cars after the year 2035. By following the lead of California, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, and Washington, the state aims to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Wood Burning Stoves
New Jersey, along with nine other states, is taking legal action against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its standards for residential wood-burning stoves. Concerned about the potential environmental and health impacts of these stoves, the states are seeking to ensure stricter regulations to protect air quality and public well-being.