Energy (Wind)

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

A 4859: Specifies that prior SADC approval is not required in order to authorize construction, installation, or operation of biomass, solar, or wind energy generating facilities, structures, or equipment on farmland preservation exception areas.

This New Jersey bill allows landowners of preserved farms to build and operate biomass, solar, or wind energy facilities without needing prior approval from the State Agricultural Development Committee (SADC). The legislation permits these projects on both preserved and non-preserved parts of the farm, provided they do not significantly interfere with agricultural production and are owned or eventually owned by the landowner. Key restrictions limit the energy generation capacity to the farm's previous year's demand plus 10 percent or one percent of the total farm area, and require that any energy sold be done through net metering. While the bill removes the need for initial SADC approval for the entire project, it still mandates a review process specifically for facilities located on the preserved portion of the farm to ensure compliance with agricultural and environmental standards.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill removes regulatory barriers for biomass, solar, and wind projects on farmland, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Wind

Track

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 ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill removes size restrictions for biomass, solar, and wind energy systems on farmland, promoting renewable energy development and reducing energy costs for agricultural operations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Wind

Track

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 3958: Excludes biomass, solar, and wind energy systems located on rooftops, unpreserved farmland, 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 exception areas without being subject to certain size restrictions that apply to preserved farmland. The legislation permits these energy systems provided they do not significantly interfere with agricultural use, are owned by the landowner, and are used to power the farm or reduce energy costs through net metering. Energy generation capacity is limited to either the farm's previous year's energy demand plus 10 percent or one percent of the total farm area, with exceptions for rooftop and unpreserved land installations. Landowners must obtain committee approval before construction, and the committee must notify easement holders and make decisions within 90 days without charging fees.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill enables renewable energy installations on preserved farmland without size restrictions, promoting solar, wind, and biomass energy development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Wind

Track

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

A 2855: Requires offshore wind project escrow funds to be remitted to BPU for certain ratepayer relief.

This bill requires New Jersey to redirect unspent funds from a 2024 settlement with Orsted (the company behind canceled offshore wind projects) to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). These funds - specifically unexpended, unencumbered, or unobligated money from the settlement - must be used by the BPU to provide ratepayer relief to electricity customers. The BPU will determine the exact timeline, method, and form of this relief through a rulemaking process. The bill does not create new policy but mandates the use of existing settlement funds to lower electricity costs for consumers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects unspent settlement funds to BPU for ratepayer relief, providing direct cost reduction for electricity customers per bill language.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRedirects settlement funds from canceled offshore wind project to provide ratepayer relief, aligning with consumer protection in energy infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Utility Regulation Wind

Track

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

A 907: Prohibits collecting of certain costs associated with offshore wind projects from ratepayers.

This bill prohibits New Jersey electric utilities from charging ratepayers (electricity/gas bill payers) for certain costs related to offshore wind projects. It directly affects residential and business customers who pay utility bills by preventing utilities from passing these specific project expenses through their rates. The key mechanism is a legal restriction requiring utilities to absorb these costs internally rather than collecting them from customers. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee after introduction in 2026.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyPrevents utilities from passing offshore wind project costs to consumers, enabling renewable energy development without rate hikes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Wind

Track

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 627: Codifies certain energy goals related to 2019 Energy Master Plan.

S 627 codifies New Jersey’s 2019 Energy Master Plan goals into law, setting binding targets for 2025-2035. It requires state agencies (like the Department of Treasury and NJ Transit) to adopt electric vehicle fleets (50% by 2025), mandates 35% renewable electricity by 2025 (rising to 50% by 2030), and sets offshore wind generation goals (3.5 GW by 2030, 7.5 GW by 2035). Commercial buildings over 25,000 square feet must track energy/water use annually using EPA tools, and state agencies must report to the Legislature on progress via annual DEP reports. These requirements directly affect state agencies, utilities, the Port Authority, and large commercial building owners.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates 35% renewable electricity by 2025 (50% by 2030), offshore wind targets, EV fleet adoption, and energy tracking - directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentSets binding renewable energy targets (35% by 2025), EV fleet mandates, and offshore wind goals - directly advancing climate and clean energy objectives.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates NJ Transit (public transit agency) to adopt 50% EV fleet by 2025, advancing sustainable transportation infrastructure and aligning with clean energy goals for transit operations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Renewable Energy Wind Electric Vehicles Ports

Track

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 638: Establishes NJ Wind Institute for Innovation and Training.

This bill creates the New Jersey Wind Institute for Innovation and Training to support the state's offshore wind industry. The Institute will focus on workforce training, education, research, and innovation - prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion - to help New Jersey meet its goal of generating 7,500 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035. Governed by a nine-member board (including state agency heads and appointed public members with relevant expertise), the Institute will operate independently within the Department of the Treasury. It directly affects workers, educational institutions, and clean energy businesses in New Jersey by developing skills and resources for the growing offshore wind sector.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes NJ Wind Institute to advance offshore wind workforce training and research, directly supporting renewable energy infrastructure goals to meet 7,500 MW target by 2035.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates NJ Wind Institute to advance offshore wind energy, directly supporting renewable energy goals and reducing fossil fuel dependence per 2035 target.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill creates workforce training institute prioritizing DEI for offshore wind industry, directly supporting employment standards through skills development and inclusive hiring practices.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Wind Workforce Development

Track

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2021: Creates Wind and Nuclear Production Apprenticeship Grant Program.

This bill establishes a state-funded grant program to support new apprenticeships in New Jersey's wind energy and nuclear power industries. It provides grants to eligible organizations (like businesses, schools, or nonprofits) that partner with industry sponsors and meet federal accreditation standards for apprenticeship programs. Applicants must demonstrate workforce needs, recruitment plans, and financial commitments, with grants to be awarded starting in 2025. The program requires annual reporting on enrollment, completion rates, and job placements to evaluate effectiveness, aiming to address skilled labor gaps in these clean energy sectors.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds apprenticeships in wind (renewable) and nuclear energy sectors, advancing workforce development for clean energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds apprenticeships in wind/nuclear sectors, creating workforce development opportunities and supporting job training pathways for workers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Nuclear Renewable Energy Wind Apprenticeships

Track

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1986: Prohibits collecting of certain costs associated with offshore wind projects from ratepayers.

New Jersey's S 1986 prohibits electric utilities from passing certain costs related to offshore wind projects to ratepayers (customers). The bill specifically blocks utilities from recovering development expenses - such as site preparation or construction costs - through customer electricity bills. This directly affects ratepayers by preventing potential rate increases tied to offshore wind project financing. The key mechanism is amending existing law to exclude these costs from "basic generation service transition costs" that utilities could otherwise recover via rate adjustments. The policy change aims to shield customers from bearing direct financial burdens of offshore wind infrastructure development.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyPrevents ratepayers from bearing offshore wind development costs, protecting consumers and enabling renewable project financing without rate hikes.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPrevents ratepayer cost recovery for offshore wind development, facilitating clean energy expansion and reducing fossil fuel reliance without increasing consumer bills.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Wind

Track

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 610: Prohibits municipal zoning ordinances from regulating solar panels under certain circumstances; limits fees for certain renewable energy installations.

This bill (S 610) prevents New Jersey municipalities from restricting rooftop or ground-mounted solar panel installations on residential properties under specific conditions. It prohibits zoning rules for systems that extend 12 inches or less beyond roof edges (roof-mounted) or have 10 or fewer panels more than 50 feet from property lines (ground-mounted). The bill also limits municipal fees for approving solar or small wind energy systems to only the actual cost of review and approval, banning extra charges. It directly affects residential property owners seeking solar installations and municipal governments managing local zoning and permitting.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRemoves municipal zoning barriers for residential solar installations and caps fees to actual costs, directly advancing renewable energy adoption per bill's explicit language.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill removes municipal barriers to residential solar installations, promoting renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel reliance per its prohibitions on zoning restrictions and fee limits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Wind

Track