Environment (Conservation) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2491: Provides that potable water well construction projects on preserved farms are eligible to receive soil and water conservation grants from SADC.

This bill amends New Jersey law to allow potable water well construction projects on preserved farmland to qualify for soil and water conservation grants administered by the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC). It directly affects landowners enrolled in farmland preservation programs or holding development easements under the Farmland Assessment Act. The key change adds "potable water well construction" to the existing list of eligible projects, which previously included irrigation systems, erosion control, and drainage systems. To qualify, projects must be part of a farmland conservation plan and maintained for at least three years. This adjustment expands access to state grants for water infrastructure on protected agricultural land.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SR 31: Commemorates 75th anniversary of Sport Fish Restoration Program.

SR 31 is a New Jersey Senate Resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the federal Sport Fish Restoration Program (established by the Dingell-Johnson Act of 1950). It does not create new law or allocate funds; instead, it formally recognizes the program’s role in funding conservation efforts through excise taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat fuels. The resolution specifically highlights New Jersey’s benefits from the program, including improved habitats for species like striped bass and support for recreational fishing. It directs copies to New Jersey’s Division of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2299: Creates Highlands Conservation Trust to preserve land in Highlands Region, and authorizes Highlands conservation license plate to raise revenue therefor.

S 2299 creates the Highlands Conservation Trust to permanently preserve environmentally significant land in New Jersey's Highlands Region. The trust will acquire and hold land - such as forests, wetlands, and historic sites - to protect natural resources like clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreational areas. It will fund these efforts through revenue generated by a new "Highlands conservation license plate" program. The trust is governed by a seven-member board appointed by the Governor and local officials, with oversight focused on long-term land conservation.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SCR 27: Proposes constitutional amendment to make State trustee of public natural resources and guarantee to the people other environmental rights.

SCR 27 proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee all New Jersey residents a fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment, including clean air, pure water, safe climate, and healthy habitats. It designates the State as the trustee of all natural resources (waters, air, lands, wildlife, and climate) for both current and future generations, requiring the state to conserve and maintain these resources for public benefit. The amendment would be self-executing, meaning courts could enforce it directly without new laws, and it explicitly states these rights are in addition to existing environmental protections. This change would apply to all New Jersey residents and require the state government to uphold these environmental rights through its actions and policies.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Air Quality Conservation Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 672: Provides gross income tax deduction for amounts paid to taxpayers for sale of certain real property interests for conservation purposes.

This bill allows New Jersey property owners to deduct the capital gain from selling land to qualified conservation organizations on their state gross income tax return. It applies to both full-market-value sales and "bargain sales" (where land is sold below market value but with conservation restrictions). The deduction equals the gain calculated under federal tax rules, covering sales to groups like Green Acres, farmland preservation programs, or wildlife conservation initiatives. This directly benefits landowners who sell environmentally valuable property to these conservation entities.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Income Tax Conservation Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 956: Requires DEP to establish "private wildlife habitat certification program"; creates affirmative defense against municipal nuisance ordinances for properties certified under the program.

This bill creates a state-certified program for private wildlife habitats in New Jersey. Property owners who establish habitats meeting DEP standards - using native plants and approved by certified entities like conservation groups or landscaping companies - can file a certificate with their municipality. Once filed, owners gain legal protection ("affirmative defense") against fines or penalties from local nuisance ordinances that might otherwise target natural habitat features. The certification lasts two years (with one renewal option) and requires inspections, with municipalities allowed to charge up to $25 for filing.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1300: "Flood Control, Mitigation, and Prevention Bond Act"; authorizes bonds for up to $2 billion and appropriates $5,000.

This bill authorizes New Jersey to issue up to $2 billion in state bonds to fund flood control, mitigation, and prevention infrastructure projects across the state. It directly affects all residents and businesses in flood-prone areas, particularly those in the Passaic River Basin, by financing structural projects like levees, dams, river channel improvements, and floodgate systems. The funds will cover construction, engineering, and related costs for projects identified in the Passaic River Basin Flood Advisory Commission's recommendations, excluding property buyouts or land preservation. The bonds require voter approval at a general election, with proceeds dedicated solely to flood infrastructure to reduce future damage and economic disruption.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3024: Changes certain allocations and amounts of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for Fiscal Year 2026 and thereafter; authorizes Garden State Preservation Trust and local governments to acquire lands in urban areas for agricultural or horticultural purposes.

S 3024 redirects state tax revenues for fiscal year 2026 and beyond to fund specific land preservation programs. It establishes a new "Preserve New Jersey Urban Agriculture and Horticulture Fund" that will receive 5% of dedicated funds annually (plus a $25 million one-time deposit) to help Garden State Preservation Trust and local governments acquire urban lands for farming or gardening. The bill changes allocation percentages from previous law, increasing funding for farmland preservation (26% vs. 31% under current law) and creating the dedicated urban fund. This directly affects local governments and the Garden State Preservation Trust, which must review annual funding allocations for conservation, farmland, and historic preservation programs. The policy focuses on supporting urban agricultural access through land acquisition, not new taxes or regulations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1683: Provides for no net loss of DEP lands for fishing, hunting, and trapping purposes.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to prevent any net loss of state park, forest, and wildlife area acreage available for public recreational fishing, hunting, and trapping. It mandates the department to inventory current access areas, replace any closed land with equivalent new acreage, and maintain accessibility except for safety, security, or environmental management reasons. The law applies directly to state lands managed by the department, ensuring recreational opportunities aren't reduced over time. The department must also submit annual reports detailing land access, closures, and replacement efforts to the legislature.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 658: Directs DEP to establish leasing program for State-owned land to be used and managed as pollinator habitat.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a leasing program allowing qualified entities - such as nonprofits, local governments, or individuals - to lease state-owned land for developing pollinator habitats. It requires the DEP, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, to establish rules for identifying suitable land and selecting applicants based on specific criteria. The program aims to create areas beneficial for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds through managed habitat development. The DEP must adopt these rules under state administrative procedures, and the bill takes immediate effect.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

All environment bills