Environment in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 5352: Revises minimum percentage of postconsumer recycled content in certain plastic trash bags.

This bill modifies New Jersey's existing rules for plastic trash bags by lowering the required amount of recycled material they must contain. Manufacturers of thicker plastic bags, specifically those 1.00 mil thick or more, will no longer need to include 40 percent postconsumer recycled content, as the new requirement is reduced to 20 percent. The law also adjusts recycled content targets for thinner bags, increasing the minimums for 0.70 to 0.80 mil bags from five to 10 percent and for 0.80 to 1.00 mil bags from 10 to 20 percent. These changes apply to all plastic trash bags sold in the state, with the exception of bags designed for hazardous or regulated medical waste. The legislation takes effect immediately upon introduction.

Topics ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

signed · New Jersey · Senate Jul 30, 2026

S 4424: Appropriates $15,546,575 to DEP from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for grants to certain nonprofit entities to acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, and for certain administrative expenses.

This bill directs approximately $15.5 million from dedicated corporation business tax revenues to the Department of Environmental Protection for land conservation and recreation projects. The funds will provide grants to nonprofit organizations to purchase or develop land for open space, with specific allocations for land acquisition, park development, and stewardship activities. Additionally, the legislation allows the department to use leftover money from canceled projects to provide extra funding to previously approved initiatives, subject to oversight committee approval.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Conservation Parks & Recreation

passed · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 4495: Allows use of Green Acres funds to fully fund certain projects on State-owned land by certain nonprofit organizations.

This bill allows qualifying nonprofit organizations to receive full funding from the Green Acres Fund for projects on State-owned land without being required to provide matching funds. It changes existing rules that typically mandate nonprofits contribute their own money alongside state grants for development, repairs, or improvements of public property. The legislation specifically targets tax-exempt nonprofits working on facilities used for education, research, or recreation to help maintain and upgrade these sites. By removing the matching fund requirement, the bill aims to improve the repair and operation of State lands managed by these organizations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 15, 2026

S 4468: Requires DEP to establish maximum contaminant level for certain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water and establish private well testing program.

This bill directs the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to set specific safety limits for five types of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, in public drinking water. It mandates that these limits be established within 12 months and aligns them with federal standards, setting maximum contaminant levels ranging from 4.0 to 10 parts per trillion for specific chemicals. Additionally, the legislation requires the creation of a state-funded program to help private well owners test their water for PFAS contamination and provides financial assistance for remediation efforts. The bill also establishes a revolving fund to support these testing and cleanup activities and requires the department to submit annual reports on the program's progress and funding usage.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 5333: Appropriates $15,546,575 to DEP from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for grants to certain nonprofit entities to acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, and for certain administrative expenses.

This bill appropriates $15,546,575 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to the Department of Environmental Protection for conservation grants. The funds will be distributed to specific tax-exempt nonprofit organizations to help them acquire or develop land for recreation and conservation purposes across New Jersey. The legislation authorizes grants for three designated projects: the D&R Greenway Land Acquisitions Trust, the Lamington Conservancy Central Project, and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation Priority Area Acquisitions. Additionally, the bill allocates money for administrative expenses related to these conservation efforts.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 4402: "Responsible Data Center Development and Resource Protection Act"; establishes Statewide framework concerning siting, land use approval, energy sourcing, water use, and environmental impacts of large load data center development.

This bill creates a statewide framework to regulate the development of large data centers that consume significant amounts of electricity and water. It requires developers to submit a detailed impact statement to the State Planning Commission before seeking local approval, covering issues like energy demand, water usage, environmental effects, and traffic. The legislation specifically directs that these facilities be located on brownfields or in industrial corridors to protect sensitive lands and overburdened communities. Additionally, the impact statement must include plans for alternative energy generation, water recycling, and grid reliability measures.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Recycling

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 18, 2026

A 5291: Requires DEP to notify certain property owners of change in property's status as wetlands area; establishes process to appeal certain wetlands designations.

This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to inform property owners whenever the state reevaluates or remaps wetlands boundaries on their land. The notifications must clearly explain if a property has gained or lost its wetlands designation and provide a detailed comparison of how the size of the wetlands area has changed. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the department create an appeals process for owners who disagree with a wetlands designation, ensuring that information about how to appeal is included in all notices and on the department's website. These changes directly affect landowners in New Jersey by increasing transparency regarding environmental designations and offering a formal path to challenge those decisions.

Topics ✓ Environment

passed both · New Jersey · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SCR 135: Approves FY2027 Financial Plan of NJ Infrastructure Bank.

This bill formally approves the Fiscal Year 2027 financial plan for the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank. The resolution authorizes the bank to proceed with funding loans and debt guarantees for eligible environmental projects, including clean water, drinking water, and stormwater management initiatives. By passing this measure, the Legislature ratifies the bank's budgetary strategy for the upcoming fiscal year as required by state law. The document does not alter the bank's operations but rather provides the necessary legislative consent for its planned financial activities.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4321: Authorizes use of Global Warming Solutions Fund monies for cost reduction programs; requires DEP to prioritize consumer relief when allocating Global Warming Solutions Fund monies.

This bill directs how New Jersey's Global Warming Solutions Fund money is spent, requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to prioritize helping consumers lower their energy costs. It establishes specific spending rules where 60% of the funds go to commercial and industrial energy efficiency projects, 20% supports residential programs in low- and moderate-income urban areas, and the remaining 30% is split between local government initiatives and forest or marsh restoration efforts. Additionally, the law allows up to 4% of the annual fund to be used for administrative expenses. By amending existing state statutes, the legislation ensures that future allocations from this fund focus on measurable reductions in energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions rather than other potential uses.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Climate Change Forestry

signed · New Jersey · Senate Aug 6, 2026

S 4162: "Affordable Power Purchase Agreements Extension Act"; concerns extension of certain public entity contracts related to energy conservation and renewable energy production.

This bill, titled the 'Affordable Power Purchase Agreements Extension Act,' allows New Jersey school boards to extend existing contracts for renewable energy and energy conservation projects without going through a new public bidding process. The legislation directly affects public school districts by amending state law to include renewable energy contract extensions as an exception to standard advertising requirements for large contracts. By permitting these extensions, the bill aims to provide continuity for current energy savings initiatives while maintaining oversight through public notice and justification requirements for each award.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Conservation

All environment bills