New Jersey would set evidence rules for protecting endangered species

State environmental officials would apply defined evidence rules when deciding which species need protection. These rules would cover state decisions about endangered wildlife and native plants. Evidence would need to account for known or possible errors and follow accepted scientific methods. Officials could not use assumptions favoring a species as a precaution. These rules would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law.

Officials would decide which species need protection without weighing economic or other impacts. This limit would apply to wildlife native to New Jersey and plant species found in the state. This limit would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law.