Environment (Conservation) in New Jersey

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

A 4046: Extends initial and renewal terms of certain property agreements between local governments and nonprofit organizations for recreation and conservation purposes.

This bill extends the maximum initial and renewal terms for property leases between local governments (municipalities, counties) and nonprofit organizations (like land conservancies) from five to seven years. It applies specifically to agreements for recreation and conservation purposes, such as managing public parks or natural areas. The bill also codifies existing rules allowing longer terms - up to 25 years with "good cause" documentation or over 25 years with approvals from the Environmental Protection Commissioner and State House Commission. These changes aim to provide more stability for long-term conservation projects while maintaining current approval pathways.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

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

A 173: Provides gross income tax deduction for amounts paid to taxpayers for sale of certain real property interests for conservation purposes.

This bill allows New Jersey taxpayers a state income tax deduction equal to the capital gain realized from selling certain real property interests to qualified conservation organizations. It directly affects landowners who sell property (either at full market value or for less than full value in a "bargain sale") to groups preserving land through programs like Green Acres, farmland preservation, or wildlife conservation. The deduction covers the profit from the sale portion, with specific rules for allocating costs in bargain sales where part is treated as a charitable donation. The policy aligns with federal tax treatment for conservation donations and applies to sales benefiting conservation programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Income Tax Conservation Wildlife

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

A 3134: Allocates $10 million of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for grants for certain lake management activities for recreation and conservation purposes.

This bill allocates $10 million in constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues to fund grants for land acquisition and development projects focused on recreation and conservation. The funds would be distributed as follows: 55% to the state for land acquisition and development (including 22% for stewardship), 38% to local governments for similar projects, and 7% to qualifying nonprofit organizations. These grants support activities like protecting natural areas, enhancing public parks, and managing lands for public enjoyment. The bill modifies existing rules for the "Preserve New Jersey Green Acres Fund" but does not change the fund’s core purpose or create new tax requirements.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

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

A 696: "Barnegat Bay Protection Act"; establishes Barnegat Bay Protection Fund, dedicates portion of sales tax on fertilizer, authorizes special license plates, and provides for donations.

This bill, the "Barnegat Bay Protection Act," would create a dedicated fund to protect Barnegat Bay by establishing three funding streams: a 1% tax on fertilizer sales, special "Protect Barnegat Bay" license plates (with a $50 application fee and $10 annual renewal), and voluntary donations collected during boat registrations, vessel renewals, and beach tag purchases. The fund, managed by the State Treasurer with input from the Environmental Protection Department, would finance watershed preservation and remediation projects, including public education campaigns. It directly affects residents and businesses in Ocean County (33 municipalities) and parts of Monmouth County (4 municipalities), where over 500,000 people live and visit. The bill focuses on generating ongoing revenue for bay restoration, not on new regulations or mandates.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Conservation Water Quality

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

A 208: Requires establishment and implementation, in certain circumstances, of wildlife management plans for open space and farmland, and authorizes use of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to finance activities undertaken pursuant to such plans.

This bill requires the creation of wildlife management plans for open space and farmland in specific circumstances. It authorizes the use of constitutionally dedicated CBT (Criminal Justice Bond Trust) revenues to fund activities under these plans. The plans would be developed and implemented by the Department of Environmental Protection or local entities managing such lands. This change allows wildlife conservation efforts on preserved open space and agricultural areas to be financed using CBT funds that were previously restricted to criminal justice programs.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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 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 1351: Increases amounts of certain payments in lieu of taxes paid for lands owned by State or nonprofit organization for recreation and conservation purposes.

This bill increases compensation payments to New Jersey municipalities for land owned by the State or qualifying nonprofit organizations for recreation and conservation purposes. It raises the initial 13-year payments (based on prior tax assessments) and establishes new annual per-acre rates after year 13, ranging from $3 to $40 per acre depending on the percentage of conservation land in the municipality. Payments are funded from the General Fund, not constitutionally dedicated moneys, and apply only to permanently preserved land. Municipalities receive these payments to offset lost tax revenue, with rates increasing as conservation land makes up a larger portion of the municipality's total area.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Revenue State Budget Conservation

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

A 3324: Designates and preserves Caven Point Peninsula in Liberty State Park as natural habitat.

This bill designates and permanently preserves the 21.5-acre Caven Point Peninsula in Liberty State Park (Jersey City, Hudson County) as natural habitat. It specifically protects the area's estuarine ecosystem, critical bird breeding habitat, and urban environmental education resource, overriding prior laws that might conflict with this designation. The bill applies directly to the land parcel identified on Jersey City tax maps (Block 27601/27701 Lots 1, Block 24307/24306 Lot 10/7). It takes effect immediately upon enactment, ensuring the peninsula's ecological features are maintained without future development or alteration.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

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

A 4367: Revises certain requirements concerning grants to fund soil and water conservation projects on preserved farms.

This bill removes a requirement that landowners contribute 50% of costs for soil and water conservation projects on preserved farmland. It clarifies that county agriculture boards only review grant applications when counties provide funding, otherwise applications go directly to soil conservation districts. Recipients must maintain projects for three years or repay funds (with exceptions for death, bankruptcy, or extreme weather). The changes apply to landowners in municipal farmland preservation programs or with permanent/20-year land use restrictions.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

All environment bills