New Jersey § 13:1e-126

§ 13:1e-126.

The Legislature hereby finds and declares to be the public policy of this State: That the collection, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of solid waste

are critical components of the economic structure of this State and, when properly

controlled and regulated, make substantial contributions to the general welfare, health

and prosperity of the State and its inhabitants by minimizing the serious health and

environmental threats inherent in the management of these wastes; That the regulatory provisions of this act are designed to extend strict State regulation

to those persons involved in the operations of these licensed activities so as to

foster and justify the public confidence and trust in the credibility and integrity

of the conduct of these activities; That the solid and hazardous waste industries in New Jersey can attain, maintain,

and retain integrity, public confidence, and trust, and promote the general public

interest, only under a system of control and regulation that precludes the participation

therein of persons with known criminal records, habits, or associations, and excludes

or removes from any position of authority or responsibility any person known to be

so deficient in reliability, expertise, or competence with specific reference to the

solid or hazardous waste industries that his participation would create or enhance

the dangers of unsound, unfair, or illegal practices, methods, and activities in the

conduct of the business of these industries; That, notwithstanding the fact that the major percentage of operators involved in

these industries are respectable and responsible and that there exists in New Jersey

a substantial waste industry capable of meeting the licensing standards, the solid

and hazardous waste industries remain vulnerable to corrupting influences; and Therefore, that it is vital to the interests of the State to prevent entry, direct

or indirect, into the operations of the solid or hazardous waste industries of persons

who have pursued economic gains in an occupational manner or context violative of

the criminal code or civil public policies of the State, and it is to the end of excluding

such persons that the regulatory and investigatory powers and duties provided in this

supplementary act shall be exercised to the fullest extent consistent with law.