Environment in New Jersey

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

A 3725: Requires producers of plastic packaging and certain other plastic products to reduce quantity of plastic sold; restricts additional substances under "Toxic Packaging Reduction Act."

This bill (A 3725, "Toxic Packaging Reduction Act") requires plastic packaging and certain single-use plastic product producers in New Jersey to reduce the amount of plastic they sell annually by weight. Producers must cut plastic use to 90% of baseline by 2028, 80% by 2030, 70% by 2032, 60% by 2034, and 50% by 2036. Additionally, starting in 2028, cardboard packaging must contain at least 75% postconsumer recycled content and achieve a 75% recycling rate. The law directly affects manufacturers and distributors of covered materials like plastic bags, straws, utensils, and food containers sold in New Jersey, excluding specific medical and regulated items.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

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

A 3948: The "Healthy and Affordable Construction for Tomorrow Act."

This bill requires New Jersey to amend its building code to ban burning high-emission fuels (like natural gas) in new construction. Starting 12 months after enactment, it prohibits such combustion in new buildings under seven stories; 36 months later, the ban applies to all new buildings regardless of height. Exemptions apply only to emergency systems, emergency facilities, and commercial food establishments, though these areas must still be designed to be "all-electric ready" where feasible. The bill also mandates a joint report on electric rate adjustments within 12 months and allows municipalities to impose stricter rules. (Pending before the Assembly Housing Committee as of 2026-01-13.)

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 12, 2026

A 4035: Requires DEP to evaluate cumulative impact of stormwater when reviewing applications associated with warehouse and other high-density development projects.

This bill (A4035) requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to assess the cumulative stormwater impact of warehouse and high-density development projects during permit reviews. It directly affects developers seeking approval for such projects and the DEP, which must now evaluate how stormwater from these developments affects not just the applicant municipality but also neighboring municipalities and the broader watershed. Key provisions mandate the DEP to ensure stormwater management minimizes offsite runoff, protects stream channels, promotes groundwater recharge, and prevents increased pollution in the watershed. The law aims to address regional environmental impacts often overlooked in traditional permit reviews for large-scale developments.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Environmental Justice Water Quality

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

A 696: "Barnegat Bay Protection Act"; establishes Barnegat Bay Protection Fund, dedicates portion of sales tax on fertilizer, authorizes special license plates, and provides for donations.

This bill, the "Barnegat Bay Protection Act," would create a dedicated fund to protect Barnegat Bay by establishing three funding streams: a 1% tax on fertilizer sales, special "Protect Barnegat Bay" license plates (with a $50 application fee and $10 annual renewal), and voluntary donations collected during boat registrations, vessel renewals, and beach tag purchases. The fund, managed by the State Treasurer with input from the Environmental Protection Department, would finance watershed preservation and remediation projects, including public education campaigns. It directly affects residents and businesses in Ocean County (33 municipalities) and parts of Monmouth County (4 municipalities), where over 500,000 people live and visit. The bill focuses on generating ongoing revenue for bay restoration, not on new regulations or mandates.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Conservation Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 12, 2026

A 4020: Establishes Office of Energy Generation Ombudsman in Department of Treasury; requires State agencies to prioritize permit review and approval process for projects that result in increased electricity production.

This bill creates a new Office of Energy Generation Ombudsman within the New Jersey Department of Treasury. The ombudsman will help energy companies navigate permitting rules, resolve disputes with agencies, and monitor approval processes. It requires state agencies to prioritize permit reviews for projects that increase electricity production, such as solar or wind facilities. The office will provide information, assist with applications, and identify bottlenecks in the permitting system to speed up clean energy development.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

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

A 1961: Requires institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water annually, report test results, and install lead filters or treatment devices.

This New Jersey bill requires colleges and universities to test all drinking water sources (like fountains and faucets) for lead annually, starting within 90 days of the law taking effect. Institutions must report results to state education and environmental agencies, post findings online, and notify students and staff. If lead levels exceed EPA or state standards, schools must immediately close affected water sources, provide alternatives, and install certified lead-removing filters in all buildings with lead pipes or fixtures. The law applies directly to all higher education institutions in New Jersey and mandates ongoing testing, transparency, and remediation.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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

A 208: Requires establishment and implementation, in certain circumstances, of wildlife management plans for open space and farmland, and authorizes use of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to finance activities undertaken pursuant to such plans.

This bill requires the creation of wildlife management plans for open space and farmland in specific circumstances. It authorizes the use of constitutionally dedicated CBT (Criminal Justice Bond Trust) revenues to fund activities under these plans. The plans would be developed and implemented by the Department of Environmental Protection or local entities managing such lands. This change allows wildlife conservation efforts on preserved open space and agricultural areas to be financed using CBT funds that were previously restricted to criminal justice programs.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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

A 1449: Establishes maximum size for lands leased as shellfisheries areas along the Atlantic Coast by Shellfisheries Council.

This bill sets a maximum lease size of 50 acres for any single shellfishery ground along New Jersey's Atlantic Coast (excluding Delaware River, Delaware Bay, and their tributaries). It directly affects shellfishery lessees and the Shellfisheries Council, which manages these leases. The bill amends existing law to require the Council to enforce this 50-acre limit for all new and existing leases on the Atlantic Coast. This is a concrete policy change to standardize lease sizes for shellfishery operations.

Topics ✓ Environment

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2521: Directs Garden State Preservation Trust to perform audit of State's land preservation programs, authorizes local governments and nonprofit organizations to utilize certain constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for administrative expenses; appropriates $150,000.

This bill requires the Garden State Preservation Trust to conduct a comprehensive audit of New Jersey's land preservation programs (including Green Acres, Blue Acres, farmland preservation, and historic property programs) within six months. It allows local governments and qualified nonprofits to use certain constitutionally dedicated land preservation funds to cover administrative costs like staff time and document preparation, rather than only program expenses. The bill also appropriates $150,000 to support this audit process. Note: The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved as part of P.L.2025, c.385.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

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

A 3744: "Packaging and Paper Product Stewardship Act."

New Jersey's "Packaging and Paper Product Stewardship Act" (A-3744) requires producers of packaging and paper products sold in the state to manage the end-of-life disposal of these items through mandatory stewardship plans. It directly affects manufacturers and sellers of packaging (like food containers, bags, and beverage containers) and paper products (excluding books and non-recyclable items), shifting responsibility for waste management from taxpayers to producers. Key mechanisms include creating "environmentally sound" recycling, composting, or reuse systems via producer groups (PROs) or individual plans, setting annual recycling rate targets, and prioritizing waste management in "overburdened communities." The bill defines specific terms like composting (excluding wastewater treatment) and recycling to ensure waste is handled safely and effectively, without relying on incineration or landfill disposal.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

All environment bills