Legislation sponsored by Democratic Assemblymen Paul Moriarty and Gilbert “Whip” Wilson to boost oversight of hazardous materials coming into South Jersey’s ports and roadways has been signed into law.

The measure grants police officers of the Delaware River Port Authority the power to inspect hazardous materials carriers and cargoes.

“There is no such thing as being too vigilant in this day and age,” Moriarty said. “DRPA police are already trained in this specialty, so it seems counterintuitive not to grant them the authority to oversee potentially hazardous materials coming into our waters.”

Under current law, only members of the State Police, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police officers and specially designed state Department of Transportation and state Department of Environmental Protection personnel are authorized to undertake such inspections.

“Having an extra set of eyes and ears inspecting our cargo makes practical sense, especially when it comes to DRPA police who specialize in guarding our waterways and bridges,” Wilson said. “This should give residents and businesses greater peace of mind.”

The sponsors noted the police officers have been trained to perform such inspections and are knowledgeable in the federal regulations governing the transportation of hazardous materials.

*Submitted by the Assembly Democrats. For more news, go to assemblydems.com.