This bill prohibits New Jersey state agencies, counties, and municipalities from adopting rules or ordinances that ban the installation or use of fossil fuel-powered kitchen appliances (like natural gas stoves) in residential or commercial kitchens, provided the appliances meet existing federal and state safety standards. It does not prevent voluntary programs that incentivize switching to electric appliances. The bill directly affects homeowners, renters, and businesses that might face local restrictions on gas appliances. It is currently pending in the Assembly Environment Committee after introduction on January 13, 2026.
This bill amends New Jersey's "90-Day Law" to exclude pipeline construction permits for natural gas and petroleum products, along with related infrastructure like compressor stations, from automatic approval if the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) doesn't act within 90 days. Currently, most construction permits (e.g., for waterfront development or coastal wetlands) automatically become approved after 90 days without a DEP decision, but this bill removes pipeline projects from that rule. Pipeline developers must now wait for an explicit DEP decision within the 90-day window instead of relying on automatic approval. The change applies only to pipeline permits and does not affect other types of permits covered by the 90-Day Law.
This bill requires New Jersey to amend its building code to ban burning high-emission fuels (like natural gas) in new construction. Starting 12 months after enactment, it prohibits such combustion in new buildings under seven stories; 36 months later, the ban applies to all new buildings regardless of height. Exemptions apply only to emergency systems, emergency facilities, and commercial food establishments, though these areas must still be designed to be "all-electric ready" where feasible. The bill also mandates a joint report on electric rate adjustments within 12 months and allows municipalities to impose stricter rules. (Pending before the Assembly Housing Committee as of 2026-01-13.)
AR 53 is a New Jersey Assembly Resolution expressing opposition to the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Project, a proposed natural gas pipeline expansion. The bill directly affects New Jersey residents in Franklin Township (where the project would build a compressor station near an active quarry), local emergency responders, and the environment. Key provisions cite concerns including potential pipeline safety risks from aging infrastructure, lack of emergency preparedness plans, carcinogen emissions during operations, and environmental harm to Raritan Bay. The resolution urges the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to consider alternative energy projects that meet New York's needs without these risks. This is a non-binding resolution, not a law, intended to influence FERC's review of the project.
This is a symbolic resolution (AR 28) passed by the New Jersey Assembly, not a binding law. It urges the federal government to approve construction of oil and natural gas pipelines within the U.S., specifically referencing pipelines that were previously shut down or denied approval (like the Keystone XL Pipeline). The resolution states it seeks to advance U.S. energy independence, lower fuel costs, and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources from regions like Russia and Venezuela. It has no legal effect and does not change any existing pipeline approvals or regulations.
This bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to adjust the societal benefits charge if excess funds are collected from utility customers. It mandates that any excess funds can only be spent on programs designed to reduce electricity and natural gas usage. The law directly affects electric and gas public utilities and their customers, as the societal benefits charge is collected through customer bills. Key provisions ensure excess funds cannot be diverted to other purposes and must support energy reduction initiatives, aligning with existing demand-side management and renewable energy programs.
This bill exempts residential customers in New Jersey from paying state sales and use tax on natural gas and electricity purchases during the coldest months of the year (December 1 through April 15). Public utilities must deduct the tax amount from customers' monthly bills during this period. The policy directly affects homeowners and renters who use these utilities, aiming to provide relief amid rising energy costs - following recent rate hikes of 15-25% by gas providers. Implementation requires the Division of Taxation to create rules for enforcement, with the exemption taking effect immediately upon passage.
This bill allows New Jersey gas public utilities to develop and submit "utility innovation plans" to the Board of Public Utilities, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plans must include specific technologies like biogas, carbon capture, renewable natural gas, hybrid energy systems, or deep energy retrofits, with measurable emissions reductions. Utilities can recover costs for approved initiatives through a defined cost recovery mechanism, including capital investments and research expenses. It directly affects gas utilities by enabling them to implement emission-reduction strategies while seeking financial recovery for qualifying projects.
This bill establishes a four-year pilot program allowing New Jersey gas utilities to build thermal energy networks using geothermal or other renewable thermal sources (like waste heat) as an alternative to natural gas infrastructure. It directly affects gas utilities, their ratepayers (who may see cost recovery through bills), and communities - particularly those with aging pipelines or no gas service. Utilities must submit detailed "thermal infrastructure plans" to the Board of Public Utilities for approval, which will evaluate project costs, benefits like emissions reductions and job creation, and how well projects serve low-income or overburdened communities. The program limits approval to one project per geographic region (northern, central, southern, coastal) and permits cost recovery via utility rates. The goal is to test the feasibility of thermal networks for heating and cooling across the state.
New Jersey's S 1606, the "Small Modular Nuclear Energy Incentive Act," creates a state program to financially incentivize the construction of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). The bill requires the Board of Public Utilities to establish a competitive bidding process awarding payments per megawatt-hour to eligible SMR projects, with priority given to sites at former nuclear, coal, or natural gas power plants or projects including retraining for displaced workers. SMRs must be under 300 megawatts, factory-assembled, and licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The program aims to support reliable, low-emission electricity generation while helping New Jersey meet clean energy goals and replace jobs lost from retiring fossil fuel plants.
