Environment in New Jersey

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

A 1287: Establishes minimum acreage goal and schedule for prescribed burns in pinelands area and Statewide.

This bill sets minimum annual acreage targets for controlled burns in New Jersey's Pinelands area and statewide, starting at 25,000 acres in the Pinelands and 10,000 additional acres statewide in the first year, increasing to 50,000 acres in the Pinelands and 20,000 statewide by the sixth year. All burns must occur between November and March to avoid wildfire season and can be conducted by the state, federal government, or approved landowners. The Department of Environmental Protection must ensure these targets are met and coordinate with relevant state agencies to incorporate the requirements into all environmental and land management plans. The bill directly affects state agencies, landowners, and fire management efforts by mandating specific burn schedules and acreage.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Forestry Public Lands

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

A 3963: Requires DEP to adopt rules and regulations establishing alternative provisions by which vehicle manufacturers may comply with Low Emission Vehicle program.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create an "Interim Alternative ZEV Compliance Program" within one year of enactment. It directly affects vehicle manufacturers selling new cars in New Jersey by offering a flexible alternative to strict zero-emission vehicle sales quotas for model years 2027-2031. Under this program, manufacturers can comply by offering dealers a portfolio of required zero-emission vehicles based on consumer demand, without mandating specific vehicle purchases. The rules also provide manufacturers with legal protection against penalties for noncompliance with traditional sales targets during this transition period.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

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

A 2694: Makes supplemental appropriation of $12 million to Village of Ridgewood for drinking water infrastructure improvements related to per- and poly-fluoralkyl substance pollution.

This bill (A 2694) appropriates $12 million from the New Jersey General Fund to the Village of Ridgewood for drinking water infrastructure improvements specifically addressing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) pollution. The funding directly affects Ridgewood Water, a public water system serving over 60,000 residents across Ridgewood, Midland Park, Glen Rock, and Wyckoff. The key mechanism is a supplemental state appropriation to cover costs that would otherwise require significant rate increases for residents. The bill aims to prevent these rate hikes by providing direct financial support for PFAS-related infrastructure upgrades.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Drinking Water Parks & Recreation

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

A 157: Concerns endangered plant species in NJ.

This bill amends New Jersey's Endangered Plant Species List Act to clarify definitions and strengthen protections. It defines "endangered plant species" as native plants federally listed as endangered/threatened, rare worldwide, or with five or fewer populations in NJ - excluding invasive species. The bill also defines "invasive species" as plants causing environmental, economic, or health harm. Crucially, it allows the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to remove invasive species from the endangered list (unless federally listed) and to control or eliminate invasive plants regardless of endangered species in the area. These changes directly affect NJ's native plant conservation efforts and DEP's management authority over invasive species.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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

A 3112: Requires public water systems and landlords to provide certain notice of elevated perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances levels in drinking water; requires DEP to establish educational program.

Bill A 3112 requires public water systems in New Jersey to send written notices to customers within 30 days if PFAS (certain chemicals in drinking water) levels exceed safety limits. Notices must explain health risks, link to a state educational program, and include details about contamination status. Landlords must distribute these notices to tenants within three business days and post them prominently in rental properties. The bill also mandates annual website updates from water systems with mitigation progress until contamination is resolved.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1861: Requires solid waste management district to develop strategy to reduce food waste; requires DEP to adopt certain rules and regulations regarding composting facilities.

This bill requires all New Jersey solid waste management districts (including counties and the Hackensack Meadowlands District) to create a strategy reducing food waste by 50% by 2035 compared to 2022 levels. Districts must submit these strategies as amendments to their waste management plans, counting food donations, composting, and anaerobic digestion toward the goal. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must publish a list of actionable measures for districts (like donation programs, composting infrastructure, and public campaigns) and establish tiered regulations for composting facilities. The policy directly affects local waste management systems and aims to divert food waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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

A 2459: Establishes scholarship program for students at public institutions of higher education pursuing certain community service-oriented opportunities; requires Secretary of Higher Education to establish grant program; appropriates $10 million.

This bill creates a two-year scholarship program for undergraduate students at New Jersey public colleges who commit to community service in climate action, K-12 education, or food insecurity. Students receiving $10,000 scholarships must serve 15 hours weekly in these fields for one academic year and agree to work full-time in related careers after graduation. The bill appropriates $9 million for 900 scholarships ($10,000 each) and $1 million to fund $100,000 grants for 10 public colleges to establish community partnerships supporting these service opportunities. It requires institutions to develop programs offering academic credit, professional development, and connections to community organizations in the targeted fields.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Student Financial Aid

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

A 2888: "Warehouse Development Control Bond Act," authorizes bonds for $150 million, and appropriates $5,000.

This bill authorizes New Jersey to issue $150 million in state bonds to help municipalities purchase development rights (easements) on land proposed for warehouse construction. It directly affects municipalities and landowners by providing state funding to prevent warehouse development on agricultural or open-space properties, preserving farmland and community character. Key provisions require municipalities to match state funds at 50% and secure permanent easements that restrict development while allowing farming and single-family homes. The program aims to address fiscal and environmental concerns tied to warehouse projects, such as traffic impacts and loss of farmland, without mandating specific land use changes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

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

AR 60: Urges Congress to support policies that examine international pollution differential and hold foreign polluters accountable for their pollution.

This non-binding resolution (AR 60) urges the U.S. Congress to support policies examining pollution differences between U.S. and foreign manufacturers, particularly highlighting that goods produced in China and Russia generate 300-400% more carbon emissions than equivalent U.S. goods. It argues that U.S. manufacturers, which are more carbon-efficient (44% more efficient than the global average), face unfair competition from countries like China - accounting for over 30% of global emissions - where lax environmental standards subsidize exports. The resolution seeks to make trade policy consider carbon emissions, aiming to reward U.S. firms for environmental performance and reduce reliance on high-emission imports. It does not create new laws but requests Congress investigate these pollution disparities and develop accountability measures through trade policy.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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

A 1565: Establishes restrictions and requirements for use of fishing gear and conch, fishing, and lobster pots on artificial reefs.

This bill restricts most fishing methods within 300 feet of New Jersey's Sandy Hook and Axel Carlson artificial reef sites, allowing only rod-and-reel, hand line, spear, or gig fishing outside designated areas. It specifically permits commercial fishing (with limits) in small, defined sections of these reefs - using precise coordinates - to balance conservation and fishing access. Key provisions include capping lobster pots at 75 per area (25 per line), requiring weekly checks, banning lobster fishing November 1-December 15, and restricting other fish pots May 15-October 1 in those zones. The bill also mandates a new pot management plan within one year to regulate commercial use of these reefs.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

All environment bills