Environment in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3832: Exempts community gardens composting on-site from certain DEP permits under certain conditions.

This bill exempts community gardens in New Jersey from needing certain environmental permits when they compost organic waste on-site, provided specific conditions are met. The exemption applies to gardens that only use plant waste generated on the property and use the resulting compost exclusively within the garden. While most environmental permits are waived, the Department of Environmental Protection can still require a permit if the composting system is determined to significantly discharge pollutants. The law defines community gardens as publicly or privately owned land cultivated by community members and clarifies that composting involves the biological breakdown of organic materials.

Topics ✓ Environment

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

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

A 4635: Authorizes construction, installation, and operation of solar energy generating facilities, structures, and equipment on preserved farmland, in certain cases, pursuant to lease agreement executed between landowner and solar developer.

This bill allows solar energy facilities to be built on preserved farmland in New Jersey through lease agreements between landowners and solar developers. It permits these installations as long as they do not significantly interfere with farming activities and include specific requirements for lease terms, maintenance responsibilities, and land restoration after the lease ends. The legislation sets limits on how much energy can be generated and requires approval from a state committee before construction begins. Landowners must also ensure the solar equipment is used to power the farm or reduce energy costs through net metering programs.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Solar

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3836: Creates Office of Sustainability.

This bill establishes a new Office of Sustainability within the New Jersey Department of the Treasury to oversee environmental sustainability measures for all state buildings. The office, led by a director appointed by the Governor, will work to improve energy efficiency, conserve water, reduce carbon footprints, and adopt green building standards across state facilities. It also mandates regular energy audits every three years and coordinates the purchase of energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable products by state agencies.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 3954: 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. It directly affects utility companies that administer energy efficiency or peak demand reduction programs and the homeowners who purchase qualifying Energy Star-rated items. The law mandates that these rebates be calculated based on the full price of the product or appliance and must be provided as part of existing utility programs approved by the Board of Public Utilities. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage without requiring additional administrative steps.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3837: Requires water suppliers to reimburse residential customers for drinking water testing under certain circumstances.

This bill requires public water system operators in New Jersey to pay for drinking water testing at residential properties when contamination levels exceed federal or state standards. The reimbursement is triggered only when a municipal request is made and the testing is conducted by a laboratory certified by the Department of Environmental Protection. Additionally, the bill prohibits water utilities from passing these testing costs on to their regular ratepayers. The Department of Environmental Protection will be tasked with creating rules to implement these requirements.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 19, 2026

A 4755: Makes FY2026 supplemental appropriation of $2 million from General Fund to Department of Agriculture in support of Northeast Organic Farming Association for certain programs.

This bill allocates $2 million from New Jersey's General Fund to the Department of Agriculture for the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey to support specific agricultural programs. The funding is distributed across seven targeted initiatives, including grants for on-farm infrastructure and equipment lending, education on value-added processing, bulk supply purchasing, and technical assistance for underserved and Hispanic farming communities. The money is intended to help organic and regenerative farmers improve farm viability, access resources, and develop skills for growing and selling their products.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Appropriations Procurement State Budget

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 18, 2026

S 4061: Allows value of SREC-IIs to be included in cost-benefit calculations under energy savings improvement programs.

This bill allows school districts in New Jersey to count the value of SREC-IIs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits) as part of the financial calculations when deciding whether energy-saving projects are cost-effective. It directly affects school boards and energy service companies that implement energy conservation programs in public schools. The key change permits these renewable energy credits to be included in cost-benefit analyses, potentially making it easier for districts to justify and fund energy efficiency improvements. The bill does not alter existing requirements for public bidding, prevailing wages, or contractor qualifications under current energy savings improvement programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Solar Conservation

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

A 4696: Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU.

This bill requires data center owners and operators in New Jersey to submit quarterly reports to the Board of Public Utilities detailing their water and energy consumption. The reports must include specific metrics such as total energy and water usage, power usage effectiveness, renewable energy factors, and sustainability indicators like waste heat reuse and air temperature settings. Data centers must provide this information within six months of the bill's effective date, or within three months if they have been operating for at least one year, and must continue submitting updates every three months thereafter. The legislation aims to increase transparency around resource usage at data centers by establishing standardized reporting requirements for facilities that store, manage, and process digital data.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 9, 2026

A 4513: Requires public utilities to provide Energy Star-rated product and appliance rebates at time of sale.

This bill requires New Jersey public utilities to apply Energy Star appliance rebates as an immediate discount at the point of sale, rather than issuing refunds after purchase. Consumers would pay the reduced price upfront when buying eligible Energy Star-rated products, eliminating the need to submit separate rebate claims. The public utility must determine which products qualify for the rebate, but the discount must be reflected in the final sale price. This change streamlines the rebate process to make it more accessible for shoppers.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

All environment bills