The Climate Superfund Act (A 3735) holds fossil fuel companies liable for climate change damages by requiring them to pay compensatory payments into a state fund. Companies that extracted or refined fossil fuels during 1995-2026 and emitted over one billion metric tons of greenhouse gases must pay based on their proportional liability, with joint liability for companies in a "controlled group." Funds collected will be distributed to implement climate adaptation projects, such as flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs in overburdened communities. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program to manage payments and fund these projects.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a rebate program within one year for residents purchasing microfiber washing machine filters. The program offers up to $100 per filter (capped at the filter's cost) to encourage adoption of devices that capture plastic microfibers from laundry wastewater before they enter waterways. It appropriates $2.5 million from the General Fund to fund these rebates, with the DEP required to report annually on program effectiveness, rebate numbers, and funding use. The policy directly affects New Jersey residents who buy eligible filters, aiming to reduce microfiber pollution - a source of plastic contamination in waterways.
The Green Building Tax Credit Act provides tax credits to New Jersey businesses and property owners who construct or retrofit buildings meeting specific green building standards. The credit equals 4% of eligible construction costs plus an additional 0.5% to 2.0% based on the building’s LEED certification level (Certified to Platinum), with costs capped at $280 per square foot. Eligible expenses include construction, design, and site improvements but exclude items like computers, fuel cells, and land purchases. The credit reduces taxes under several New Jersey tax acts and requires a state report on program usage within six years.
This bill prohibits the sale of consumer cleaning products containing triclosan for sanitizing or hand/body cleansing in New Jersey, directly affecting manufacturers and retailers. It excludes products with specific FDA approval for consumer use. Violators face civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, with each day of continuing violation counted separately. The ban takes effect one year after enactment, aligning with federal FDA restrictions but extending them to all such consumer products, not just rinse-off items.
This bill establishes a Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience Financing Program within the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank. It would impose a per-kilowatt-hour charge on all electricity consumption in the state, added to utility bills for residential, commercial, and industrial consumers. The collected funds would finance projects like flood-resistant infrastructure, coastal protection, and other climate resilience initiatives. The program aims to address climate impacts through targeted infrastructure investments, funded directly by electricity users.
This bill (A 3610) creates a new Department of Energy within New Jersey's Executive Branch to coordinate state energy policy. It establishes a Commissioner of Energy (appointed by the Governor) to lead the department, which will unify energy-related functions across state agencies and support the Board of Public Utilities. Key responsibilities include advancing clean energy and electric vehicle programs, helping agencies meet energy and emissions goals, and developing plans for energy crises. The department directly affects state agencies, utility regulators, and New Jersey residents/businesses through its role in shaping energy policy and programs.
This bill (A 1656) requires all outdoor lighting fixtures installed or replaced by New Jersey state agencies or on projects receiving state funds to meet specific environmental and energy efficiency standards. It mandates fully shielded fixtures with a BUG rating of U0, a maximum color temperature of 2,700 Kelvin (with limited exceptions), motion sensors, and minimal light trespass. The law aims to reduce light pollution, glare, and energy use while preserving public health and the natural night environment. It directly affects state agencies, state-funded construction projects, and all outdoor lighting installations under their jurisdiction.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to develop a comprehensive State Water Infrastructure Investment Plan every five years. The plan must estimate annual and long-term funding needs for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, identify revenue sources, prioritize projects (including environmental justice communities), and incorporate climate resilience strategies. It also mandates the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to publish additional details about water infrastructure projects and appropriates $200,000 to support these efforts. The bill directly affects state agencies, water systems, and communities relying on public water infrastructure.
This bill prohibits New Jersey grocery stores from providing single-use paper carryout bags to customers, unless the bags contain a significant amount of postconsumer recycled content. It directly affects grocery stores (defined as self-service retail establishments over 2,500 sq. ft. selling food for off-site consumption) and applies to bags used for transporting groceries or retail goods. The key provision requires stores to either use paper bags with high recycled content or switch to alternative packaging, while exempting bags for specific items like raw meat, produce, or pharmacy prescriptions. The law aims to reduce plastic and paper waste by discouraging single-use bags that contribute to pollution and environmental harm.
This bill (A 3906) requires New Jersey state agencies to apply a price discount (up to 5%) to bids for asphalt or concrete when using pervious pavement materials on public construction projects. It directs the Department of Environmental Protection to create a stormwater management hierarchy ranking materials by their ability to reduce runoff and filter contaminants. Taxpayers purchasing pervious pavement for municipal, county, or state projects can claim a credit against certain taxes. The bill directly affects state agencies, contractors working on public projects, and businesses selling these materials, aiming to promote environmentally beneficial paving through procurement incentives and tax relief.
