Environment in New Jersey

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

A 776: Eliminates prohibition on provision of single-use paper bags by grocery stores for delivery orders; requires certain retailers to repurpose cardboard boxes if feasible.

This bill (A 776) allows grocery stores to provide single-use paper carryout bags for a fee to customers ordering groceries for delivery, removing a previous restriction. It also requires stores and food service businesses to repurpose cardboard delivery boxes for reuse (e.g., for future grocery deliveries) whenever feasible. The law directly affects grocery stores, food retailers, and delivery services operating in New Jersey. Key mechanisms include permitting paper bags solely for delivery orders and mandating cardboard box reuse to reduce waste, without altering existing bans on single-use plastic bags for in-store purchases.

Topics ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

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

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

A 4032: Authorizes counties to establish mentoring programs for, and resell preserved farmland at reduced price to, beginning farmers.

This bill allows New Jersey counties to create mentoring programs pairing experienced farmers with new or less experienced farmers (defined as those with 10 years or less farming experience in the state). It also authorizes counties to resell preserved farmland - land previously protected through state programs - at reduced prices to beginning farmers, provided the land remains under agricultural deed restrictions. Proceeds from these sales must be returned to the Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund for future land protection. The bill modifies existing farmland preservation laws to enable these programs and sales while ensuring funds support ongoing farmland conservation.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

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

A 3932: Directs installation of hydrogen refueling stations at service areas on State's toll roads.

This bill (A3932) requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and South Jersey Transportation Authority to install at least one hydrogen refueling station at every service area along their toll roads within two years. It directly affects these transportation authorities (mandating the installations) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicle drivers (who gain refueling access). The bill specifies that authorities must recover installation and operational costs from users proportionally based on their station usage. It does not alter vehicle technology or emissions standards but ensures infrastructure support for hydrogen-powered vehicles on state toll routes.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

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

A 1558: Provides that electric vehicle supply equipment proposed for installation at certain locations does not pose specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety; removes certain existing approval requirements.

This bill simplifies approval for installing electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment at existing locations like gas stations and retail stores in New Jersey. It removes previous requirements that applicants prove installations comply with site plan bulk rules and prior approval conditions. Instead, applicants must now demonstrate the proposed EV equipment won’t cause unmitigatable health or safety risks. The change applies to all pending or new applications after enactment, streamlining the process for businesses adding EV infrastructure to existing properties.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

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

A 4063: Provides CBT credit for construction or retrofitting of warehouse to meet certain green building standards.

This bill provides a 25% tax credit against New Jersey's Corporation Business Tax for businesses constructing new warehouses or retrofitting existing ones to meet specific green building standards. It directly affects commercial property owners and developers who build or upgrade warehouses to achieve at least a LEED Silver, Green Globes Two-Globe, or equivalent nationally recognized sustainability rating. Eligible costs include construction, engineering, and site work (excluding land, computers, or fuel cells), with credit eligibility requiring certification from a licensed engineer/architect and a certificate of occupancy. The credit applies to projects meeting the bill's defined "green warehouse" standards, which must be solar-ready and designed for renewable energy integration. The Department of Community Affairs must issue an eligibility certificate verifying compliance before the tax credit can be claimed.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Tax Credits Renewable Energy Solar

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

A 780: Provides credit under corporation business tax and gross income tax for construction of buildings in accordance with certain energy and environmental performance standards.

This bill creates tax credits for businesses constructing new buildings in New Jersey that meet specific environmental standards. It provides credits against corporation business tax and gross income tax for buildings certified at LEED Silver, Gold, or Platinum levels (based on energy efficiency, water use, and sustainable materials). Eligible buildings include large residential complexes (10,000+ sq ft) or commercial/industrial structures, with credit amounts tied to building size and certification level. To claim the credit, businesses must obtain certification from the Environmental Protection Commissioner and comply with annual reporting requirements, subject to a $10 million annual cap on total credits.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Energy Efficiency

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

A 1769: Establishes Water Apprenticeship, Training, and Employment Resources (WATER) Pilot Program in DOLWD; appropriates $1 million.

This bill establishes a five-year WATER Pilot Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor, appropriating $1 million to fund water-sector apprenticeships. It directly affects eligible organizations - such as businesses, unions, colleges, nonprofits, and public utilities - that run accredited water-related training programs (e.g., for wastewater workers) and partner with industry. Key provisions require applicants to demonstrate U.S. Department of Labor accreditation, secure industry partnerships, and prioritize underserved communities, with grants covering program costs. Grantees must report annually on participant enrollment, completion, and job placement, while the Department must evaluate the program’s effectiveness yearly.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Apprenticeships Workforce Development

All environment bills