Energy in New Jersey | MyRepTracker

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1032: Directs BPU to conduct study to determine whether microgrid and distributed energy resource deployment will reduce length of power outages.

This bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study whether microgrids and distributed energy resources (like localized solar or battery systems) can reduce the duration of long-term power outages. The study requires the BPU to compare New Jersey's grid performance with other states, assess real-world microgrid impacts, consult with utilities and communities that have used such systems, and evaluate costs for ratepayers and the state. The BPU must submit a report with findings and recommendations within nine months, including an analysis of existing microgrid pilot programs. This study does not implement new policies but provides data to inform future grid resilience efforts.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Energy Resilience Solar

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3951: Authorizes EDA to use moneys in "Global Warming Solutions Fund" to support projects to refurbish or upgrade existing electricity generation facilities.

This bill authorizes New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to use funds from the "Global Warming Solutions Fund" to provide grants or financial assistance to commercial, institutional, and industrial entities for projects that refurbish or upgrade existing electricity generation facilities. These projects must modernize, expand, or extend the lifespan of power plants, with a requirement that they demonstrate measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions or energy demand. The bill allocates 60% of the fund for this purpose, while 20% supports low-income residential energy programs, 10% aids local government climate initiatives, and 10% funds forest and marsh restoration. It specifies that projects must meet clear criteria for emissions reductions, including through technologies like carbon capture, and establishes administrative cost limits for managing the fund.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Climate Change Forestry

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3565: Provides corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits for purchase of certain compressed natural gas vehicles.

This bill provides tax credits to New Jersey businesses and individuals for purchasing compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. Businesses can claim credits up to $3,500 (2023), $2,500 (2024), or $1,500 (2025) for standard CNG vehicles, and up to $25,000 (2023), $15,000 (2024), or $7,500 (2025) for Class 8 CNG trucks. Individuals may claim credits up to $3,500 (2023), $2,500 (2024), or $1,500 (2025) for personal CNG vehicles under the gross income tax system. To qualify, purchasers must obtain certification from the Environmental Protection Commissioner confirming the vehicle’s CNG use, and unused credits can be carried forward for up to seven years.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✗ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Procurement Oil & Gas Electric Vehicles

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3612: Supplements FY2026 Appropriations Act; makes $10 million off-budget appropriation to NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program.

This bill adds $10 million from the off-budget Universal Service Fund to the NJSHARES-S.M.A.R.T. Program for utility payment assistance in New Jersey's fiscal year 2026. It directly helps low-income homeowners and renters facing financial hardship by providing grants to cover past-due utility bills (arrearages) and ongoing payments. The program requires applicants not to receive duplicate benefits from private insurance or other existing aid programs. The funding supplements a prior $5 million General Fund appropriation for the same program, directing the Commissioner of Community Affairs to establish quick-processing guidelines for eligible residents.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1058: Requires DCA to review and amend State Uniform Construction Code concerning parking structures to address increased weight of electric vehicles.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to update the State Uniform Construction Code for parking structures to accommodate the heavier weight of electric vehicles (EVs). It mandates new parking structures to include at least 10% EV parking spaces, distribute EV spots to reduce weight concentration, and meet new load requirements for EVs and chargers. For existing structures, the DCA must develop monitoring systems for load performance and require owners to create 90-day remediation plans if structures are deemed unsafe due to EV weight, with potential closure for non-compliance. The changes directly affect developers of new parking facilities and owners of existing structures statewide.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles

passed · New Jersey · General Assembly May 18, 2026

A 804: Requires BPU to report societal benefits charge revenues and expenditures to Governor and Legislature.*

This bill requires New Jersey's Governor to include a detailed annual report in the budget message about revenues and spending from the "societal benefits charge" on utility bills. The report must show, for each of the past five fiscal years and the current year, how much was collected from electricity and gas customers, and how those funds were spent - specifically for energy efficiency programs, low-income energy assistance, plug-in electric vehicle incentives, and other approved initiatives. It also mandates itemized breakdowns of funds allocated by each utility company. The goal is to increase transparency about how this charge, embedded in customer bills, finances state energy and assistance programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Energy Efficiency

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3051: Establishes Office of Financial Assistance in EDA to help eligible entities access opportunities for public financial assistance; requires office to develop common application platform.

This bill establishes an Office of Financial Assistance within New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to help small businesses access public financial assistance. It directly affects eligible entities - companies with under 225 NJ-based employees in tech or green energy sectors (like biotech, renewable energy, or IT) - by streamlining their access to state and federal grants, loans, and tax credits. The key mechanism is a new common online application platform that lets businesses identify all available programs, store required documents for reuse, apply to multiple programs simultaneously, and track application status. The EDA office will develop this platform and provide technical support to help businesses navigate the application process.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 23, 2026

A 3735: "Polluters Pay to Make New Jersey More Affordable Act"; imposes cost recovery payments on certain fossil fuel companies for funds needed for climate change adaptation; establishes program in DEP to collect and oversee distribution of funds.**

The Climate Superfund Act (A 3735) holds fossil fuel companies liable for climate change damages by requiring them to pay compensatory payments into a state fund. Companies that extracted or refined fossil fuels during 1995-2026 and emitted over one billion metric tons of greenhouse gases must pay based on their proportional liability, with joint liability for companies in a "controlled group." Funds collected will be distributed to implement climate adaptation projects, such as flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs in overburdened communities. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program to manage payments and fund these projects.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Climate Change Coastal & Flood Protection Hazardous Materials

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1558: Provides that electric vehicle supply equipment proposed for installation at certain locations does not pose specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety; removes certain existing approval requirements.

This bill simplifies approval for installing electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment at existing locations like gas stations and retail stores in New Jersey. It removes previous requirements that applicants prove installations comply with site plan bulk rules and prior approval conditions. Instead, applicants must now demonstrate the proposed EV equipment won’t cause unmitigatable health or safety risks. The change applies to all pending or new applications after enactment, streamlining the process for businesses adding EV infrastructure to existing properties.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1134: Imposes restrictions on vehicle idling.

This bill restricts vehicle idling in New Jersey, limiting diesel-powered motor vehicles to no more than two consecutive minutes of idling when not in motion (with specific exceptions like passenger loading or extreme cold). It also applies a similar two-minute limit to gasoline-powered vehicles, excluding electric vehicles. Key exceptions include emergency vehicles, traffic congestion, necessary mechanical operations (e.g., cargo temperature control), and passenger loading for buses (up to 15 minutes per hour). Violations may result in penalties under existing law, but the bill does not override local or federal regulations.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Freight

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