There was no question that the Murphy administration would have a different vision concerning environmental protection issues than that of its predecessor. Christie’s tenure was characterized by a business-friendly and regulatory-reform agenda. See L. Goldshore, “Nobody Likes Red Tape: Will Report Be Implemented or Ignored,” 200 N.J.L.J. 431 (May 17, 2010).

During the campaign, candidate Murphy made it clear that he saw environmental issues differently and that he was in sync with the environmental community’s priorities including the need to address climate change and promote alternative energy. See L. Goldshore, “Turning the Page: The Murphy Administration’s Environmental Policy,” 224 N.J.L.J. 1474 (May 28, 2018). Not surprisingly, the environmental groups, often viewed as a democrat party constituency group, endorsed Murphy’s candidacy. But the implementation of the new environmental agenda has proceeded at a somewhat slower pace than expected due, in part, to the delay in the new commissioner’s confirmation.