This bill requires construction contractors in New Jersey to use containment devices like vacuums, tarps, and enclosures to prevent dust, debris, and microplastics from escaping worksites and entering the environment. It mandates daily cleanup, proper waste disposal, and the installation of stormwater filters, while also requiring contractors to educate their employees on these requirements. The Department of Community Affairs or local officials will inspect worksites for compliance, and violators face escalating fines starting with a warning for the first offense.
This bill amends the composition of the Lake Hopatcong Commission by increasing the number of public members appointed by the Governor from two to four and adjusting term lengths for certain members. It also requires the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to develop a water level management plan for Lake Hopatcong that must be approved by the commission. The changes directly affect local governments in Morris and Sussex counties, as well as the municipalities bordering the lake, by altering how commission members are selected and how long they serve. The bill establishes clearer roles for the commission in monitoring water conditions, assessing development impacts, and coordinating with state agencies on watershed management.
This bill requires public water systems in New Jersey to notify both local officials and customers when boil water notices are issued or lifted due to drinking water quality issues. Water providers must inform affected municipalities within one hour of learning about an emergency and notify customers within 24 hours using both phone and email, while also posting notices on their websites and social media. The legislation also mandates that water bills include a request for customers to specify their preferred contact method for future emergency notifications. These changes aim to improve communication speed and clarity during water quality emergencies, directly impacting public water system operators, municipal officials, and water customers across the state.
This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to create and run a pilot program that helps counties and municipalities restore streams, improve water quality, reduce flooding, and store carbon in natural areas. The program will provide grants for three projects across the state's southern, central, and northern regions, focusing on smaller waterways and tributaries rather than major rivers. Eligible activities include cleaning streams, stabilizing stream banks, dredging, and restoring historic stream beds, with specific definitions provided for terms like "bank," "sediment," and different water classifications to guide implementation.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to conduct a five-year assessment of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, that are currently unregulated by state or federal law. The assessment aims to determine whether new drinking water standards should be established for these chemicals and to evaluate if existing limits adequately protect children's health, considering their lower body weight and higher water intake relative to adults. The department must collaborate with the Drinking Water Quality Institute, submit written reports of its findings to the Governor and Legislature, and publish each report on its website.
This bill allocates $100 million in federal funds to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to distribute grants to local governments for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects. The Department must establish a transparent grant application process with eligibility criteria published online within six months and set a maximum grant amount to ensure statewide distribution. At least 10 percent of the funds must be reserved for projects addressing harmful algal blooms in Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood Lake, while up to 3 percent may be used for program administration. The bill expires three years after enactment or upon submission of a final report detailing all funded projects, whichever occurs first.
This bill increases financial aid to New Jersey municipalities that host watershed lands within the Highlands Region, directing funds from the Highlands Protection Fund and other environmental funds to offset property restrictions. It requires that at least 25% of the aid received by each municipality be used for school funding purposes. Additionally, the bill adjusts how money from realty transfer fees is allocated to the Highlands Protection Fund, ensuring ongoing support for watershed protection efforts. The legislation applies specifically to municipalities identified by the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council as hosting watershed lands.
This bill increases financial aid to New Jersey municipalities within the Highlands Region that host watershed lands, ensuring they receive compensation similar to those already eligible for watershed moratorium offset aid. It also directs that at least 25% of these funds be used for school funding purposes. Additionally, the bill adjusts how money from the Global Warming Solutions Fund is allocated, specifying that 60% supports energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, 20% assists low- and moderate-income residential electricity programs, and 10% helps local governments reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The legislation requires the State Treasurer to include these funding amounts in annual budget requests and mandates the Legislature to appropriate the necessary funds.
This bill allows New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to approve "reformation assessments" for certain water and wastewater treatment and conveyance systems. These assessments are independent evaluations designed to analyze the current condition and performance of aging or damaged infrastructure and identify options for reforming ownership, management, and operations. The bill directly affects municipalities that own water or wastewater systems facing serious risks due to infrastructure deterioration or damage beyond their capacity to repair. If an assessment determines that transferring assets to a capable private or public entity could better protect drinking water and the environment, the municipality may have the option to lease, sell, or transfer those assets under specific conditions.
This bill amends the list of environmental infrastructure projects approved for long-term funding under New Jersey's FY2026 environmental infrastructure program. It updates which projects qualify for funding from existing state revolving funds (like the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds) and ensures unused balances from prior programs are reallocated to support clean water and drinking water projects. The bill directly affects the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which administers these funds for eligible municipal and public infrastructure projects. Note: The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as the funding updates were already approved under P.L.2025, c.182.
