George J. Tyler
Environmental Law - Robbinsville, NJ

When it all began, back in the 60s, the term 'environmental law' didn't exist. As an example the state's solid waste rules fit on a single page of paper. Thirty years later, they fill an entire volume. Early air pollution control rules dealt with black smoke and open burning and water law focused on sewage treatment. Today, continuous emission monitoring is required for newly identified toxic air contaminants, water law has become ever more complex focusing on the impact on endangered species, non-point source (storm water) management and trace contaminants in public water supplies. These are among many other issues which have emerged from three decades of intensive scientific research and constant governmental action in the legislatures, the state and federal courts and, of course, administrative agencies. The environmental-law boom spawned a new cadre of legal practitioners. In 1980 there were perhaps a dozen or so attorneys in the environmental law section of the New Jersey Bar Association. Ten years later the section had more than 1,000 members. Naturally it was a heady time to be making policy at NJDEP and a good time to embark on the private practice of law in this emerging field.

When I left state government to enter went into private practice I sent a letter to colleagues saying I wouldn't do anything different in my new position. I'd still be working to help people resolve problems with governmental agencies and with each other. When I wrote it I didn't know how true it was going to be. Solving people's problems, initially in the environmental area and now in many other areas, has been the basis of my career.

The fact is we have great, sound environmental laws in New Jersey and nationally as well, but when these laws are fully applied with all of the government's muscle behind them, they can be pretty onerous. Today my job is to represent and defend those who must conform to them.

Working on cases that involve protection of the environment can be quite satisfying, particularly in the area of redevelopment of real estate and land use management. I worked extensively to develop the Jersey Gardens Complex on a site that was formerly the 400-acre Elizabeth Landfill. Assisting a client construct the Mercer County Arena on four old Trenton industrial sites and handling legal issues for another to help South Bound Brook convert an abandoned industrial tract into a new downtown center, are just two examples of the rewarding opportunities in this area of the law.

Still, watching the state's industrial and manufacturing base disappear, often fighting what seems like a "rear guard" action while a manufacturing operation slowly closes, or relocates to more favorable climes, can be both professionally challenging and personally trying. Defending an enforcement action while helping a client move to another state with a more streamlined air pollution control permit process or lower fees for water discharge permits is troublesome. It's troublesome because the trend has created a class of folks who will never find a well paying, blue-collar position with a chance for growth. It's also troublesome because some of these problems need not be viewed as insoluble.

In my practice I also see regulation is clearly having an impact on the cost of commercial and residential development housing and my clients, are passing on the costs of compliance to end users and homebuyers. It's making home ownership less affordable trapping some in places they'd like to leave but can't afford to leave, at least for other places in New Jersey.

Overall I'd say for most of my clients, it's not a fight over the ultimate destination - they have, something they want done, a business to operate, a place they want to go. The question is: What will it take to get there? And how much will it cost and how can I help clients achieve their goals effectively and more efficiently?

I think of myself as a team player who takes a leadership position - when it's appropriate. That's my inclination, to take charge of a problem and try to help my client manage it, from a legal as well as a practical perspective.

George J. Tyler
"My clients have something they want done, a business to operate, a place they want to go. The question is: What will it take to get there?"
Phone: (609) 631-0600
Fax:
 
 
Education
Bergen Catholic High School, Oradell, New Jersey
Manhattan College, New York, New York, BS Engineering, 1969
Seton Hall University Law School, JD, cum laude, 1974

COMPILED SUMMER 2003
 
2011-01-17 11:03:48