S 1252 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Provides that solar and photovoltaic energy facilities and structures on farmland are not inherently beneficial use, per se, for purposes of zoning approvals.

This bill (S 1252) changes zoning rules for solar energy projects on farmland in New Jersey. It removes the automatic classification of solar and photovoltaic facilities on farmland as "inherently beneficial use" for zoning approvals - meaning municipalities can no longer approve such projects under this blanket exception. Instead, solar installations on farmland must now undergo standard zoning review like other developments. This directly affects landowners, developers, and local governments when reviewing proposals for solar projects on agricultural land. The change amends existing definitions in New Jersey’s land use law (P.L.1975, c.291) to exclude farmland solar from the list of uses considered inherently beneficial.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Linda Greenstein
Linda Greenstein
DDemocratic
NJ
14