Environment in New Jersey

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

A 3694: Establishes registration and training program for commercial applicators of substances for snow and ice removal.

New Jersey bill A3694 establishes a voluntary registration and training program for commercial applicators who remove snow or ice for hire using deicing substances. It requires these applicators to complete certified training on effective, water-quality-protective methods and register with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The program mandates record-keeping of application methods and amounts, annual reporting to DEP, and periodic refresher training. Registered applicators gain limited liability protection for snow/ice removal on private property when following trained methods, but this protection does not apply if they act recklessly or deviate from the training. The bill directly affects commercial snow/ice removal businesses and property owners who hire them, aiming to reduce water contamination from excessive deicer runoff.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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

A 3409: Requires certain warehouse operators to implement air pollution reduction and mitigation plans.

This bill requires large warehouse operators (over 100,000 sq ft with >50,000 sq ft of operations) to implement air pollution reduction plans starting 36 months after enactment. Operators must earn points during a 12-month compliance period through specific actions like purchasing zero-emission trucks, installing solar power, or funding air filtration near schools. The standard plan uses a traffic-based point system, while a custom plan allows tailored approaches with detailed emission reduction targets. The Department of Environmental Protection will develop the program and approved plans, with a phased point requirement increasing over time.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Solar Air Quality

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

A 1563: Requires DEP to establish artificial reef plan for commercial and recreational fishing.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to develop a plan for two artificial reefs within state waters (within three nautical miles of the coast) within one year of enactment. The plan must consider fishing history and both commercial/recreational uses of the sites, while the DEP will also establish rules governing the number of fish and lobster pots allowed on these reefs. Currently, 17 artificial reefs exist off New Jersey's coast - only the two within state waters are directly affected by this bill, though the DEP may seek to extend similar management to 15 federal reef sites via the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. The law focuses on creating clear usage rules for existing reefs to balance fishing activities with conservation.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

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

A 3919: Requires study of ocean energy potential; directs BPU to establish wave and tidal energy generation goals and take other action to establish NJ as nationwide leader in ocean energy.

This bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and Department of Environmental Protection to conduct a study on wave and tidal energy potential within 12 months of a pilot project. The study must evaluate environmental impacts, economic benefits, grid reliability, and potential incentive programs (like renewable energy credits) to support ocean energy development. It directs the BPU to establish goals for wave and tidal energy as part of the state's clean energy strategy, aiming to position New Jersey as a national leader. The findings will be reported to the Governor and Legislature within 15 months, with recommendations for future policy actions. This affects state energy planning and future development of ocean-based renewable energy infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Renewable Energy

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 3400: Directs EDA to establish New Jersey Energy Independence Bank.

This bill establishes the New Jersey Energy Independence Bank as an independent subsidiary of the Economic Development Authority (EDA), renaming the existing New Jersey Green Bank (created in 2024). It directs the bank to provide financing, loan guarantees, and other financial support for eligible environmental projects - including renewable energy facilities, energy efficiency upgrades, and electric vehicle infrastructure - primarily targeting municipalities, small businesses, and commercial entities (not direct residential lending). The bank must operate with a separate board of directors (with majority independence from the EDA) and maintain distinct financial records to ensure operational independence. The measure aims to leverage public funds to attract private investment in clean energy projects across New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Electric Vehicles

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

A 2422: Establishes grant program in DEP to provide financial assistance to municipalities for infrastructure and other physical upgrades to certain municipally owned sanitary landfill facilities closed before June 1987; appropriates $10 million.

This bill establishes a $10 million grant program within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to help municipalities upgrade improperly closed sanitary landfills (those shut down before June 1, 1987, without proper closure). It directly affects municipalities owning such landfills by providing financial assistance for specific safety upgrades, including covers, methane monitoring systems, and leachate collection. The program requires municipalities to apply with project details, prioritizes projects with the greatest environmental and health impact, and mandates annual reports on fund usage. Grants cover only costs not offset by federal funding, aiming to meet state closure standards and reduce pollution risks from these aging sites.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Waste Management

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

A 2244: Bans carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, flame resistant chemicals, and volatile organic compounds from certain hair products.

This bill bans the intentional addition of carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, flame resistant chemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to synthetic hair products sold in New Jersey. It specifically targets products made from artificial fibers like polyester, nylon, or cellulose that mimic human hair. The law prohibits manufacturers, sellers, or distributors from offering such products in the state if they contain these substances, with violations punishable by fines up to $20,000 per offense. The bill defines prohibited chemicals using U.S. agency standards (like WHO and EPA classifications) to clarify compliance.

Topics ✓ Environment

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

A 1141: Requires DEP to adopt Statewide plan to reduce lead exposure from contaminated soils and drinking water.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a statewide plan within one year to reduce public exposure to lead in soil and drinking water. The plan must use existing soil test data from cleanup sites, public water testing, and private well results to identify high-risk geographic areas and prioritize public funds for remediation. It also mandates the DEP to develop a public education program about lead health risks and prevention measures. The plan must be posted online, submitted to the legislature, and updated every five years.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 24, 2026

A 4454: Establishes abandoned mine reclamation program in DEP.

This bill creates a new Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to address safety and environmental risks from abandoned mines. The program requires the DEP to develop a detailed plan mapping all abandoned mines, identifying the most dangerous sites (like those threatening structures or water quality), and ranking reclamation projects by priority and cost. The DEP can implement reclamation through its own work, contracts with private firms, or grants to local governments or landowners, while seeking federal funding. Property owners must allow DEP access for reclamation work after notice (with accommodations for timing), but the bill explicitly prohibits requiring landowners to pay for these efforts. This directly affects residents living near abandoned mines and property owners in affected areas.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3629: The "New Jersey Town Center Microgrid Pilot Program Act."

S 3629 creates a pilot program allowing eligible New Jersey municipalities (called "pilot agencies") to develop microgrids that provide backup power to critical facilities like hospitals or emergency centers during outages. The bill enables these municipalities to partner with developers through 20-year power purchase agreements, subject to approval by the Division of Local Government Services and the Board of Public Utilities. Key provisions include requiring microgrids to use non-diesel distributed energy resources (like solar or storage) and ensuring the systems can operate independently from the main grid. This directly affects participating municipalities and the critical facilities they serve by improving local power resilience.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Resilience Solar

All environment bills