Environment in New Jersey

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

A 4380: Establishes Watershed Council in DEP.

This bill creates a 21-member Watershed Council within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The council, appointed by the Governor with input from environmental groups, will represent each of the state's 21 watershed areas and analyze flooding, water quality, and environmental programs. It must assess the DEP's watershed management effectiveness - including flood protection, stormwater runoff, and ecosystem preservation - and make recommendations. Within 12 months of its first meeting, the council will submit annual reports to the DEP commissioner, Governor, and Legislature with these findings and suggestions for improving water quality and resident safety.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Water Quality

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

A 3910: Requires DEP to consider potential impacts to natural resources when classifying dams according to hazard potential.

This bill amends New Jersey's Safe Dam Act to require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to consider potential impacts to natural resources - such as wildlife, fish, aquatic life, habitats, plants, and historic sites - when classifying dams by hazard potential. Currently, classifications only consider loss of life and property damage; this change expands the criteria to include environmental impacts. The DEP must update its classification system to incorporate these factors, affecting how dams are assessed for safety. Dam owners and the DEP will be directly impacted by this new requirement in the hazard classification process.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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

A 547: Requires DEP and owners of certain reservoirs to implement certain flood control measures; authorizes Office of Emergency Management to order lowering of reservoirs levels in response to severe weather events.

This New Jersey bill (A 547) requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to identify reservoirs with a history of causing downstream flooding and study their capacity and water needs. The DEP must then set maximum water levels for these reservoirs to balance flood prevention with water supply, and require owners to create approved flood action plans - including flood gates - for reservoirs linked to past flooding. The Office of Emergency Management can order reservoir levels lowered during severe weather to prevent flooding, after consulting with the DEP. Reservoir owners who follow approved plans and comply with emergency orders are protected from related lawsuits. The bill directly affects DEP, reservoir owners, and communities downstream of affected reservoirs.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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

A 3477: Establishes fund in DEP for Blue Acres acquisition and relocation projects; appropriates $25 million.

This bill creates the Blue Acres Buyout Fund within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), appropriating $25 million from the General Fund. The fund will provide relocation assistance to homeowners and tenants displaced by Blue Acres property acquisitions, cover the state's costs for purchasing flood-prone lands under the Blue Acres program, and pay for program administration (limited to 5% of annual funds). It directly affects residents in flood-prone areas who may be relocated due to these acquisitions. The fund operates as a nonlapsing, revolving account managed by the DEP.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Procurement State Budget Coastal & Flood Protection

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

A 1864: Requires permit and compensatory reforestation plan for development projects that result in deforestation; establishes grant program for reforestation activities by private landowners; establishes "State Compensatory Reforestation Fund."

This New Jersey bill requires developers planning projects over five acres that cause deforestation to obtain a permit and submit a compensatory reforestation plan approved by the Department of Environmental Protection. The plan must detail the deforested area, reforestation site, costs, and species selection (prioritizing native trees and climate resilience), with reforestation ideally done on-site or within the same municipality. It establishes the "State Compensatory Reforestation Fund," funded by developer payments, to support state reforestation efforts and provide grants to private landowners for tree planting. The law directly affects large-scale developers, private landowners seeking grants, and the Department of Environmental Protection, which enforces the permit process and manages the fund.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Forestry

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 3391: "Beverage Container Deposit Act"; requires use of returnable beverage containers in NJ and establishes deposit and refund system to facilitate return of such containers to manufacturers for reuse or proper disposal.

This bill, S 3391 "Beverage Container Deposit Act," requires all beverage manufacturers and distributors in New Jersey to use returnable containers for drinks sold in the state. It establishes a mandatory $0.10 deposit on eligible containers (like bottles, cans, and cartons under one gallon, excluding cups, infant formula, and certain dairy products), which consumers pay at purchase and receive back when returning empty containers to redemption centers. Key mechanisms include requiring containers to be "certified as reusable," creating account-based or bag-drop return systems for refunds, and repealing a prior container disposal law. The policy directly affects beverage producers, retailers, and consumers by changing how containers are sold, returned, and processed for reuse or recycling.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

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

A 3670: Authorizes certain large food waste generators to send food waste to sanitary landfill facilities for purpose of generating Class I renewable energy or renewable natural gas.

This bill allows large food waste generators (those producing 52+ tons annually) to dispose of source-separated food waste at sanitary landfills that capture landfill gas for renewable energy production, instead of sending it to dedicated recycling facilities. It applies to generators within 25 miles of a recycling facility who choose this alternative path, requiring landfills to deliver gas to facilities generating Class I renewable energy or renewable natural gas meeting quality standards. The policy expands disposal options while maintaining the core requirement for source separation. Generators must continue this disposal method to remain compliant, with waivers available if recycling costs exceed disposal costs by 10% or more.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Renewable Energy Recycling Waste Management

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

A 3607: Prohibits BPU from retiring electric generation facilities in certain circumstances.

This bill prohibits New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) from shutting down any existing electric power plant ("covered facility") unless the BPU first identifies one or more replacement plants that meet two conditions: (1) produce enough renewable energy (including wind, solar, hydro, or nuclear) to cover the original plant's electricity demand, and (2) can start operating before the original plant closes to avoid power shortages. It directly affects the BPU's authority over power plant retirements and electric generation facilities connected to New Jersey's grid. The bill does not apply to plants that are unsafe, non-functional, or threaten public health, allowing the BPU to retire those without replacement. This policy aims to prevent gaps in electricity supply during transitions to renewable energy.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

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

A 3925: Directs BPU to establish rebate program for purchase of electric bicycles.

This bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a rebate program for residents purchasing new low-speed electric bicycles meeting specific safety standards (ANSI/CAN/UL 2849). Rebates cover up to $2,000 or 50% of the bike's price (minimum $1,000 purchase), but only for in-person purchases made by New Jersey residents. The program, funded by $1 million from an existing societal benefits charge, aims to reduce vehicle emissions by encouraging e-bike use for short trips. The BPU will determine eligible bike types, application processes, and additional program requirements.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles

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

A 1651: "Mattress Stewardship Act;" requires mattress producers to join stewardship organization and implement mattress stewardship program.

This bill requires mattress producers (manufacturers, importers, or brands) to join a nonprofit stewardship organization within one year of the law taking effect. The organization will manage the collection and environmentally sound disposal of discarded mattresses through a program funded by a small "stewardship assessment" added to each mattress purchase price. Retailers and renovators selling mattresses must also register with the organization. The program aims to ensure discarded mattresses are recycled, renovated, or disposed of safely, reducing landfill waste and environmental harm.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

All environment bills