Environment

This bill requires all construction, renovation, and demolition contractors in New Jersey to use physical barriers (like tarps, enclosures, and vacuums) and industry-standard filters to prevent dust, debris, microplastics, and other pollutants from escaping worksites and entering soil, water, or public spaces. It mandates daily cleanup of waste, record-keeping for two years, and on-site training for workers with visual guides on proper containment methods. Contractors face penalties including $1,000 fines for repeat violations and up to $5,000 for ongoing non-compliance, with daily violations treated as separate offenses. The law applies to all commercial and residential projects and enforces compliance through inspections by the Department of Community Affairs or local officials.

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.

S 685 creates a 15-member "Fleet Conversion Task Force" within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to study the transition of commercial vehicle fleets (like delivery trucks and company vehicles) to zero-emission models. The task force will examine challenges such as costs for small businesses, coordinate with stakeholders including fleet operators, manufacturers, and environmental groups, and develop policy recommendations to support this shift. It directly affects commercial fleet owners, operators, and related industries by seeking solutions to reduce transportation emissions, which account for 38% of New Jersey's total greenhouse gases. The task force must hold public hearings, gather input from diverse sectors, and submit findings to the state within a set timeframe.