Energy in New Jersey | MyRepTracker

passed · New Jersey · Senate May 28, 2026

S 3944: Authorizes renewable energy systems on preserved farmland to provide power or heat to adjacent properties, under certain conditions.

This bill allows owners of preserved farmland in New Jersey to install renewable energy systems like solar, wind, or biomass facilities on their property to generate power or heat. The systems can supply energy to the farm itself or to an adjacent property if that property is the primary residence of the farm's owner or operator. Key provisions require that the energy facilities do not significantly interfere with farming activities, are owned by the landowner, and are limited in size to either 10% above the farm's previous year's energy demand or one percent of the total farm area. Landowners must obtain approval from a designated committee before construction, and the committee must consider input from development easement holders within a 30-day window. The bill also mandates that no fees be charged for the review process and requires the creation of regulations to set standards for impervious cover and other environmental considerations.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

passed both · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 3939: Permits dual-use solar energy projects to participate in community solar program.*

This bill allows dual-use solar facilities, such as those on landfills or brownfields, to join New Jersey's community solar program, enabling customers to receive bill credits from remotely located solar projects. It requires the Board of Public Utilities to establish rules for a pilot program that sets project size limits, geographic restrictions, minimum participant numbers, and standards for protecting low and moderate income customers. The legislation also mandates that utilities can recover implementation costs and outlines a path to convert the pilot into a permanent program with specific capacity goals by 2029.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Solar

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4624: Requires electric public utilities to develop service restoration plans for certain communities on well water or septic systems.

This bill requires electric public utilities in New Jersey to create service restoration plans for communities that rely on private wells or septic systems. It defines these communities as areas where at least 40% of residential customers depend on private well water and mandates that utilities prioritize them during extended power outages lasting more than 24 hours. The plans must include provisions for at least one watering station with bottled water, a water tanker truck, and other resources needed for residents and livestock. Utilities must submit these plans to the Board of Public Utilities within one year of the bill's effective date, and the board will make the plans available on its website.

Topics ✓ Energy

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 4739: Establishes low-carbon transportation fuel standard program in DEP.

This bill creates a new low-carbon transportation fuel program within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. The program requires fuel suppliers to meet specific carbon intensity standards, meaning fuels must produce at least 10% fewer emissions than traditional gasoline or diesel over their entire lifecycle. It defines low-carbon options to include electricity, hydrogen, renewable diesel, and other alternative fuels, while establishing a system for tracking and managing fuel credits. The legislation also sets a target for fuels to achieve at least 20% lower emissions within 10 years of the program's start.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Climate Change Electric Vehicles Transportation Funding

signed · New Jersey · Senate Apr 8, 2026

S 3870: Modifies certain CAFRA permit review requirements for nuclear facilities.

This bill modifies permit review requirements under New Jersey's Coastal Area Facility Review Act to address nuclear energy facilities. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner to evaluate whether a nuclear facility's radioactive waste storage and disposal methods are safe, comply with Nuclear Regulatory Commission standards, and do not endanger life or the environment. Currently, the commissioner only assesses waste disposal, but this change expands the review to include storage methods as well. The bill applies specifically to nuclear energy generation facilities operating in the state. No fiscal impact is expected from this legislative change.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Nuclear Coastal & Flood Protection Waste Management

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 4688: Excludes biomass, solar, and wind energy systems located on rooftops or exception areas from certain size restrictions applicable to preserved farmland.*

This bill allows owners of preserved farmland in New Jersey to install biomass, solar, and wind energy systems on rooftops, unpreserved farmland, or designated exception areas without being subject to certain size restrictions that normally apply to preserved farmland. The legislation permits these energy facilities as long as they do not significantly interfere with agricultural production, are owned by the landowner, and are used to power the farm or reduce its energy costs through net metering. Landowners must still obtain approval from a committee before construction, and the committee must consider input from development easement holders before making a decision. The bill also requires that energy generated from these facilities be sold only through net metering or similar agreements, and it mandates that projects in the Pinelands area comply with existing Pinelands Protection Act standards.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Solar Wind

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4627: Requires public utilities to provide Energy Star-rated product and appliance rebates of no less than 20 percent of total cost of product or appliance.

This bill requires public utilities in New Jersey to offer rebates of at least 20 percent of the total cost for residential products and appliances that carry the federal Energy Star label. The requirement applies specifically to rebate programs administered as part of energy efficiency or peak demand reduction initiatives approved by the Board of Public Utilities. The measure directly affects utility companies that operate these rebate programs and consumers purchasing Energy Star-rated items through those programs. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4555: Establishes "Fleet Conversion Task Force" in DEP.

This bill creates a new Fleet Conversion Task Force within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to study how commercial vehicle fleets can transition from fossil fuels to zero-emission vehicles. The task force will examine challenges faced by fleet owners, including costs for small businesses, and develop recommendations for policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. The 15-member group includes state agency representatives and public appointees from environmental, labor, and automotive sectors, with members required to be appointed within 90 days of the bill's effective date.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Climate Change Electric Vehicles

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

ACR 134: Recognizes role of natural gas in New Jersey's energy policy goals and declares natural gas clean fuel.

This bill is a concurrent resolution that formally recognizes the role of natural gas in New Jersey's energy policy and declares natural gas a clean fuel. It directly affects state energy policy discussions and does not create new laws or regulations for individuals or businesses. The resolution states that natural gas is a vital component of the state's energy mix and has lower carbon emissions compared to coal and oil. It also notes that recent technological advancements continue to improve the environmental performance of natural gas production and usage.

Topics ✓ Energy ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Coal Oil & Gas Climate Change

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SCR 112: Recognizes role of natural gas in New Jersey's energy policy goals and declares natural gas clean fuel.

This bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally recognizes natural gas as a clean fuel and acknowledges its role in New Jersey's energy policy goals. It does not create new laws or regulations but instead serves as a symbolic statement affirming natural gas as a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, citing lower carbon dioxide emissions and its importance for reliable energy supply. The resolution is directed at the state legislature and is transmitted to the Governor and the Board of Public Utilities for informational purposes. It does not change any existing policies or affect specific industries, but rather reflects the state's current stance on natural gas within its broader energy strategy.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coal Oil & Gas

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