The state began accepting applications last week from companies requesting reviews in hopes of getting reprieves from environmental rules.
The program is a result of an executive order by Gov. Chris Christie, who says it's a way to cut red-tape for companies burdened by cumbersome regulations.
But Denise Patel of New Jersey Work Environmental Council tells The Star Ledger that the exemptions are a way for Christie to award favors at the expense of protections for the air and water.
Some Democratic lawmakers say they want to pass a joint resolution to invalidate Christie's executive order.
