Concerns endangered plant species in NJ.

This bill (A165) updates New Jersey's definition of "endangered plant species" to include plants federally listed as endangered/threatened, rare worldwide, or with five or fewer populations in the state - while explicitly excluding invasive species. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a statewide list of endangered plants within one year, based on scientific data and public input. Crucially, the bill grants the DEP authority to control or eliminate invasive plant species without regard to the presence of endangered plants in the area, unless prohibited by federal law. This clarifies regulatory priorities and aligns state protections with federal definitions.