This bill requires new flooring installations in schools, community centers, and licensed child care centers to be certified mercury-free by the manufacturer. It applies to all facilities using identified mercury-risk flooring materials, including existing buildings where such flooring was installed before current occupancy. Key provisions mandate certification for permits, require air quality testing if mercury is detected, and obligate owners to implement mitigation or remove unsafe flooring within six months if tests exceed safety thresholds. Violations by manufacturers issuing false certifications carry civil penalties of $10,000 for first offenses.
This bill (A 1238) changes New Jersey's farmland assessment rules to include forested lands and woodlands used for producing USDA-designated specialty crops, such as maple syrup. It directly affects landowners growing these specialty crops on forested property by exempting them from the standard requirement to submit a woodland management plan. The key provision allows these lands to qualify for agricultural assessment status without the usual management plan, provided the crops are officially designated as specialty crops by the USDA. Landowners must still submit annual applications documenting the specialty crop production and USDA designation to maintain the assessment benefit.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 99) urges the U.S. Congress and President to increase domestic energy production and reduce regulatory barriers to oil and gas development. It specifically references high gasoline prices (over $4/gallon), the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on global energy markets, and the need to reduce reliance on imports from Russia, the Middle East, and Venezuela. The resolution cites a 2022 letter from 25 governors requesting actions like removing federal land development bans, streamlining permitting, and reapproving the Keystone XL Pipeline. It does not create new laws but formally requests federal action to enhance energy independence and lower consumer energy costs.
