Energy in New Jersey | MyRepTracker

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 5, 2026

A 4012: "Energy Cost Fairness Act"; prohibits BPU from authorizing rate increases for electric and gas public utilities that charge inclining block rates for residential customers.

The "Energy Cost Fairness Act" (A4012) prohibits New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) from approving rate increases for electric or gas utilities that use inclining block rates for residential customers. Inclining block rates charge higher prices per unit once a household's usage exceeds specific thresholds, regardless of when energy is used. The bill directly affects residential customers who currently face these tiered pricing structures and requires utilities to eliminate this rate design to qualify for any rate increase. It implements this change by banning BPU authorization of such rate hikes, aiming to align pricing with actual costs.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Utility Regulation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3045: Establishes special parking for hybrid, electric, and alternative fuel vehicles.

New Jersey's S 3045 requires parking facilities with 100+ public spaces to set aside 5% of spots for hybrid, electric, and alternative fuel vehicles. These designated spaces must be the most accessible (but not closer than handicap spots), marked with green paint and signs reading "Hybrid and Alternatives Parking Only." Vehicle owners must obtain a state-issued window sticker meeting specific fuel efficiency standards (45 MPG initially, then 163% of federal CAFE standards) to legally use these spots, with violations punishable by up to $250 fines. The 10-year pilot program mandates annual review of eligible vehicles and requires the Motor Vehicle Commission to report on implementation to the Legislature.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 201: Requires DEP to adopt rules and regulations establishing alternative provisions by which vehicle manufacturers may comply with Low Emission Vehicle program.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create an "Interim Alternative ZEV Compliance Program" within one year of enactment. It directly affects vehicle manufacturers by allowing them to comply with the state's Low Emission Vehicle program for model years 2027-2031 through an alternative method. Instead of meeting strict zero-emission vehicle sales quotas, manufacturers may offer dealers a portfolio of required zero-emission vehicles based on actual consumer demand, without mandating specific purchases. This alternative pathway provides manufacturers with a defense against penalties for noncompliance with the standard sales requirements.

Topics ✓ Energy ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2366: Sets vehicle miles traveled reduction targets; establishes "Vehicle Miles Traveled Advisory Commission."

This bill sets statewide targets to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 2035 (10% per capita, 3% statewide) and 2050 (20% per capita, 8.5% statewide) compared to 2019 levels. It creates the "Vehicle Miles Traveled Advisory Commission," composed of state agency leaders and public members with expertise in transportation, active mobility, and smart growth planning. The commission will track progress, review state plans, and submit annual reports with policy recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. The bill directly affects state agencies responsible for transportation, environmental protection, and community planning, aiming to reduce emissions and transportation costs - particularly for lower-income households - through more compact development and active transportation infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 697: Directs DEP to adopt rules and regulations to implement California's current low emissions vehicle program, with certain exceptions regarding zero emmission vehicles.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to adopt rules implementing California's current low-emission vehicle program (specifically its "Advanced Clean Cars II" phase) by 2026. It requires the DEP to adopt regulations that align with California's standards but explicitly prohibits increasing the required percentage of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) beyond the level in effect in New Jersey as of November 1, 2023. The bill allows the DEP to include incentives or market mechanisms to encourage more ZEV adoption, while clarifying that "California Low Emission Vehicle program" refers to the entire program, not just its second phase. This directly affects vehicle manufacturers required to meet ZEV sales targets in New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Energy ✗ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 619: Establishes certain State goals for sale of zero-emission medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks, and certain off-road vehicles and equipment.

This New Jersey bill establishes state goals for zero-emission vehicle sales: by 2045, all new medium- and heavy-duty trucks (over 8,500 pounds) sold or leased in the state must be zero-emission, and by 2035, all off-road equipment (like construction vehicles) must be zero-emission where feasible. The Department of Environmental Protection must create regulations, report annually on progress, and develop strategies to make zero-emission vehicles accessible to all residents. The bill defines "zero-emission vehicle" as meeting California Air Resources Board standards (excluding partial zero-emission models) and specifies vehicle categories based on weight. It directly affects vehicle manufacturers, dealers, and equipment providers operating in New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Roads & Highways

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 691: Increases solar development goals of SREC-II program and extends certain target dates of program to 2035.

This bill amends New Jersey's SREC-II solar incentive program to increase the annual solar development goal to 750 megawatts per year and extend target dates to 2035 (previously ending in 2026). It establishes a system where solar project owners earn renewable energy certificates (SREC-IIs) for each megawatt-hour of electricity generated, which utilities can use to meet state renewable energy requirements. Specific targets include 3,000 megawatts of community solar capacity by 2029 and 50 megawatts for small-scale remote net metering projects. These changes will affect solar developers who receive payments and ratepayers who fund the program through utility bills.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SCR 40: Proposes Constitutional amendment to limit exercise of eminent domain to acquisition of land for essential public purposes.

SCR 40 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit New Jersey governments' use of eminent domain (taking private property for public use) to specific "essential public purposes." It would remove the current authority to take property for "blighted area" redevelopment, while explicitly listing allowed purposes like utility corridors, schools, prisons, waste facilities, health care, and recreation. The amendment would prohibit government from seizing land solely to eliminate blight but would allow tax exemptions for private redevelopment projects under strict profit limits. This change aims to restrict eminent domain powers as defined in the state constitution, requiring voter approval after legislative passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Energy ✗ Housing

Sub-Topics Community Development

passed both · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 3183: Modifies various provisions of State's renewable energy incentive programs; requires electric public utilities to consider interconnection applications for certain solar projects.*

This bill modifies New Jersey's renewable energy incentive programs to support solar development on specific sites. It allows multiple solar projects to co-locate on the same or adjacent properties (without size limits) for community solar and remote net metering programs, and removes size restrictions for solar projects on landfills, brownfields, contaminated sites, or mining sites. Electric utilities must process interconnection applications for community solar or remote net metering projects on 34.5kV or lower voltage lines. Projects on designated sites must achieve commercial operation within 33 months (automatically extended for utility-caused delays), with the timeline starting from program registration.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Transmission

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 320: Authorizes EDA to provide grants from "Global Warming Solutions Fund" to finance replacement of certain agricultural equipment.

This bill, S 320, authorizes New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to use funds from the "Global Warming Solutions Fund" to provide grants to **farmers** for replacing inefficient or polluting agricultural equipment with more efficient, less polluting alternatives. The key provision requires applicants to prove the old equipment has been permanently dismantled or decommissioned before receiving a grant. Funds for this program are allocated from the 60% of the "Global Warming Solutions Fund" designated for agricultural, commercial, and industrial energy efficiency projects under existing law. The bill does not change the fund's overall structure but specifically expands EDA's grant authority for agricultural equipment upgrades.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Climate Change

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