Issue · Environment

Environment

Every environment bill, vote, and legislator stance in New Jersey, automatically classified by Maddy, our AI policy reader.

NJ Legislature US Congress

Total bills

674

2026-2027 Regular Session

Top supporter

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Top opponent

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Showing 161–170 of 674 bills

All environment bills

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3746: Prohibits food service businesses from providing single-use utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, and requires certain food service businesses to provide reusable, washable utensils to customers eating on site.

This New Jersey bill prohibits most food service businesses (like restaurants, food trucks, and cafeterias) from automatically giving customers single-use utensils or condiments (like ketchup packets). Instead, businesses must provide these items only if a customer specifically requests them. Larger dine-in establishments (with 50+ seats) must offer reusable utensils for on-site use and require customers to return them after meals. Exemptions include schools (for 5 years), healthcare facilities during outbreaks, and food courts (for 2 years). Violations incur fines starting at $2,500 for repeat offenses.

Topics ✓ Environment

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 764: Amends lists of projects eligible to receive loans for environmental infrastructure projects from NJ Infrastructure Bank for FY2026.

This bill (A-764) would have amended the list of environmental infrastructure projects eligible for loans from New Jersey's Infrastructure Bank for fiscal year 2026. It would have directly affected local governments and public water utilities seeking funding to finance projects like wastewater treatment, stormwater management, or drinking water system upgrades. The key mechanism involved updating which specific projects qualified for the bank's financing under existing law, ensuring funds targeted approved environmental infrastructure needs. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was superseded by the approved law P.L.2025, c.183.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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

A 177: Excludes farmland from definitions of "redevelopment area" and "rehabilitation area" in "Local Redevelopment and Housing Law."

This New Jersey bill (A 177) removes farmland from the legal definitions of "redevelopment area" and "rehabilitation area" under the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law. It directly affects farmers and agricultural landowners by preventing their property from being designated for redevelopment projects that might displace farming operations. The bill amends Section 3 of P.L.1992, c.79 to exclude farmland from these categories, ensuring agricultural use isn't subject to redevelopment processes. This is a definitional change with no new programs or funding, solely protecting farmland from being reclassified under existing redevelopment law.

Topics ✓ Environment ✗ Housing

Sub-Topics Community Development

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

A 3947: Requires water supply system testing and compliance with secondary drinking water regulations.

This bill requires public community water systems (like municipal water utilities) to test water quality quarterly for secondary drinking water standards, including sampling from at least 10% of customer taps. It mandates that water system operators submit test results to the state environmental agency, local municipalities, and customers annually and quarterly. If tests exceed standards, operators must create a compliance plan within 30 days to fix issues within 30 days (or sooner if needed for health risks), followed by a maintenance plan to prevent future violations. These rules aim to ensure ongoing water quality for communities served by public water systems.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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

A 3730: Requires DOT to erect and maintain certain electric vehicle charging station signs.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to install and maintain standardized highway exit signs directing drivers to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. It specifically applies to drivers using EVs on Interstates and limited-access highways, as defined in the law. The signs must follow federal and state design standards outlined in the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices." The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles Roads & Highways

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