What was the reason that NJ counties are no longer in charge of their district's SWM?

• A. Budget cuts forced state take over
• B. Court decision: State Solid Waste controls were found to be in violation of Federal Commerce Law & were abolished
• C. New state law created centralized control
• D. Local voters supported centralization

Answer: (B)

A federal court ruling can override state policies when they clash with constitutional protections, reshaping who controls local services. In New Jersey, the district solid waste management system was governed by state-level controls. The court found that these controls violated the Federal Commerce Clause, and they were abolished. Because that court decision removed the state framework, the counties no longer operated their district SWM as they had before. This shows how constitutional limits can drive a change in governance beyond political or budget decisions.