Environment in New Jersey

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

A 2756: Exempts sales of reusable carryout bags from sales and use tax.

This bill (A 2756) exempts sales of qualifying reusable carryout bags from New Jersey's sales and use tax. It directly affects retailers selling these bags and consumers purchasing them, as it removes the tax on eligible products. The bill defines a "reusable carryout bag" as one made from machine-washable materials (like cloth, polypropylene, or nylon), with stitched handles, and designed for multiple uses. The tax exemption applies to all sales made four months after the bill takes effect.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4367: Revises certain requirements concerning grants to fund soil and water conservation projects on preserved farms.

This bill removes a requirement that landowners contribute 50% of costs for soil and water conservation projects on preserved farmland. It clarifies that county agriculture boards only review grant applications when counties provide funding, otherwise applications go directly to soil conservation districts. Recipients must maintain projects for three years or repay funds (with exceptions for death, bankruptcy, or extreme weather). The changes apply to landowners in municipal farmland preservation programs or with permanent/20-year land use restrictions.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

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

A 1170: Requires submission of energy usage plan to BPU for proposed artificial intelligence data centers; requires all electricity for artificial intelligence data centers to be derived from new clean energy sources.

This bill requires all new artificial intelligence data centers in New Jersey to use electricity derived exclusively from new clean energy sources (such as solar/wind or nuclear power) rather than conventional grid power. It directly affects developers seeking approval for new AI data centers by mandating they submit an energy usage plan to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for review. The plan must detail how the facility will source clean energy, minimize cooling energy use, optimize water and ventilation systems, and repurpose waste heat. The BPU must approve the plan within 90 days before construction can proceed, ensuring these centers align with New Jersey’s clean energy goals.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Nuclear Renewable Energy Solar

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 3665: Requires BPU to provide funding for purchase and installation of photovoltaic technologies for age-restricted community clubhouse facilities from societal benefits charge.

S 3665 requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to fund the purchase and installation of solar panels at clubhouse facilities in age-restricted communities using money from the societal benefits charge. The bill defines "age-restricted community" as housing meeting federal standards for "housing for older persons." This provision directs existing utility customer fees - collected to support energy assistance programs - toward covering solar equipment costs at these specific clubhouses. It does not create new fees but reallocates a portion of an existing charge to support solar installations for older residents' community facilities.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Solar

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 801: Appropriates $34 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to State Agriculture Development Committee for county planning incentive grants for farmland preservation purposes.

This bill appropriates $34 million from constitutionally protected business tax revenues to fund farmland preservation grants. It provides counties with planning incentive grants covering up to 80% of the cost to acquire development easements on farmland, directly affecting eligible counties like Burlington, Gloucester, and Somerset. The funds are distributed through the State Agriculture Development Committee to support local efforts in preserving agricultural land. The grant amounts vary by county, with some receiving up to $8.5 million total. This policy change enables counties to protect farmland through permanent easements without requiring new tax revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Revenue Conservation

passed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 1517: Establishes NJ Native Seed Commission to develop plan to increase production and use of native seeds in State.

This bill establishes the New Jersey Native Seed Commission within the Department of Agriculture to develop a plan increasing native seed production and use. The commission, made up of state agency heads and stakeholders (including seed suppliers, land managers, and conservation groups), will focus on boosting native seed availability for public projects like roadside landscaping, habitat restoration, and state land management. It must submit a final report with specific recommendations within one year of forming, aiming to make native seeds commercially available at reasonable prices. The commission expires 30 days after submitting its report.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands

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

A 3538: Directs BPU to establish two-year innovative drinking water supply and wastewater infrastructure grant program.

This bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a two-year grant program using funds from the societal benefits charge. It provides grants to individuals, businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions to develop innovative technologies for pilot projects at publicly-owned drinking water and wastewater systems. These projects must implement new technology (not routine upgrades) to improve water quality, flow, purification, conservation, energy efficiency, or infrastructure - specifically prioritizing renewable energy solutions like in-pipe hydropower. The BPU must evaluate proposals, coordinate with systems, and report annually on funded projects and their statewide potential. The program expires 25 months after enactment.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Hydroelectric Renewable Energy Conservation Drinking Water Water Quality

passed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 2403: Directs BPU to adopt rules and regulations incentivizing solar energy generation in roadside rights-of-way.*

This bill establishes a pilot program allowing solar energy projects on state and local government-owned roadside rights-of-way (land adjacent to roads, 30-100 feet from the road centerline) in New Jersey. Projects must not exceed 10 megawatts individually, with a total program cap of 200 megawatts, and must avoid disrupting traffic, safety, or road maintenance. The Board of Public Utilities, with input from the Transportation Commissioner, will review applications based on criteria like safety monitoring, environmental impact, and project size, requiring permits before construction. The pilot runs for 36 months, with possible two 12-month extensions (max 50 megawatts increase per extension) to evaluate outcomes.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Solar Roads & Highways

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

A 1859: Prohibits use of receipt paper containing bisphenol A.

This bill prohibits businesses and banks from using receipt paper containing bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical added during manufacturing to improve paper characteristics. It directly affects retailers, financial institutions, and any entity that provides transaction records like receipts or credit card slips. Violators face civil penalties of $250-$500 per offense, with daily fines for ongoing violations, enforced by the Department of Environmental Protection or courts. The law takes effect 18 months after enactment, aiming to reduce consumer exposure to BPA through everyday transaction documents.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

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

AR 81: Urges schools to implement share tables in order to reduce food waste and help alleviate food insecurity.

AR 81 is an Assembly Resolution (not a binding law) urging New Jersey public schools to implement "share tables" in cafeterias. These tables allow students to place unopened, unconsumed food for others to take or donate to food pantries, directly targeting school food waste and food insecurity. The resolution cites USDA data showing 21% of school lunch calories are wasted and notes 9% of New Jersey residents (including 10% of children) face food insecurity. It recommends schools adopt this low-cost, simple initiative to reduce waste, lower disposal costs, and increase food availability for pantries. The resolution has no enforcement power and will be shared with school districts via the Commissioner of Education.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Environment

All environment bills