Environment in New Jersey

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

A 3196: Exempts construction, expansion, or renovation of building or structure owned and used by municipality or volunteer fire department from "Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act."

This bill exempts construction, expansion, or renovation projects for municipal buildings or volunteer fire departments from New Jersey's Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act requirements. It directly affects local governments and volunteer fire departments by removing regulatory hurdles for their facility projects within the Highlands Region. The key mechanism is adding these projects to the list of existing exemptions under the Act, which previously covered limited activities like single-family homes or forest management. This change streamlines approvals for essential public infrastructure without altering broader environmental protections. The bill is procedural and does not affect other development types or environmental standards.

Topics ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Forestry

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

A 2842: Prohibits enforcement of certain trapping violations in areas subject to law enforcement investigation.

This bill prevents the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection from issuing violations to trapping licensees for failing to check traps within required timeframes when traps are located in areas under active law enforcement investigation. It specifically applies if a federal, state, or local law enforcement agent instructs the licensee to vacate the area. The exemption only applies during ongoing investigations and does not change the standard requirement for daily trap checks elsewhere. It directly affects trappers operating in zones where law enforcement is conducting active investigations.

Topics ✗ Environment

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

ACR 59: Determines that DEP rules and regulations known as " New Jersey Protecting Against Climate Change - Resilient Environment and Landscapes" are inconsistent with legislative intent.

This concurrent resolution (ACR 59) declares that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) proposed "NJPACT-REAL" rules - aimed at climate resilience and expanding flood zones - are inconsistent with legislative intent. It challenges the DEP's authority to unilaterally create these rules, arguing they exceed constitutional limits since the Legislature never authorized such sweeping changes through new laws. The resolution requires the DEP to amend or withdraw the rules within 30 days or face potential legislative action to invalidate them. This is a procedural step, not a law altering policies, focusing solely on the DEP's proposed rules' constitutional validity.

Topics ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Climate Change Coastal & Flood Protection

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

ACR 87: Determines that DEP rules and regulations to implement "Advanced Clean Cars II" program are inconsistent with legislative intent.

ACR 87 is a New Jersey legislative resolution declaring that the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) adoption of California's "Advanced Clean Cars II" (ACC II) program rules - published in the December 18, 2023, New Jersey Register - is inconsistent with state law. The resolution states that New Jersey's 2003 law (P.L.2003, c.266) only authorized the DEP to implement California's earlier "LEV II" program, not the newer ACC II rules, and that the DEP failed to provide required notice to environmental committees before adopting them. The resolution gives the DEP 30 days to amend or withdraw the rules, or allows the legislature to pass another resolution to invalidate them. It directly affects the DEP's rulemaking authority and the implementation of vehicle emissions standards in New Jersey.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

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

AR 94: Supports President Trump declaring national energy emergency and executive order expediting energy projects.

This New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 94) expresses support for President Trump's declaration of a national energy emergency and his executive order aimed at expediting energy infrastructure projects. It does not create new laws but formally endorses efforts to streamline permitting for pipelines, refineries, and other energy projects to improve grid reliability and reduce energy costs. The resolution highlights concerns about grid strain, high energy prices, and the need for critical minerals to support energy infrastructure development. It will be sent to federal officials as a statement of legislative backing for these policy approaches.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Pipeline Infrastructure

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

A 1254: Prohibits adoption of any State rule or regulation mandating electric heating or water heating systems in buildings prior to issuance of DCA report.

This bill prohibits New Jersey state agencies (like the Department of Community Affairs, Environmental Protection, and the Board of Public Utilities) from requiring buildings to use electric heating or water heating systems as the sole or primary method until a specific report is issued. It directly affects building owners, developers, and utilities by delaying mandatory electric system requirements, though it does not stop voluntary adoption or private use of electric systems. The key mechanism requires the Department of Community Affairs to hold six public hearings across the state within 18 months (covering costs, environmental impacts, and worker effects) and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within 24 months. After the report is published, the prohibition on mandates expires, allowing agencies to proceed with rules based on the findings.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

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

A 922: Repeals law prohibiting sale or distribution of single-use plastic carryout bags, single-use paper carryout bags, polystyrene foam food service products, and single-use plastic straws.

This bill repeals New Jersey's existing ban on single-use plastic carryout bags, paper carryout bags, polystyrene foam food containers, and plastic straws. It directly affects retailers (who can now sell these items without restriction) and consumers (who regain access to these products). The bill removes the prohibition established in P.L.2020, c.117, without introducing new requirements or funding mechanisms. This is a straightforward policy change eliminating specific product restrictions.

Topics ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

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

ACR 69: Determines that DEP rules and regulations to implement "Advanced Clean Trucks" program are inconsistent with legislative intent.

ACR 69 is a concurrent resolution declaring that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) 2021 rules implementing the "Advanced Clean Trucks" program are inconsistent with legislative intent. The resolution states the DEP adopted these rules - requiring 55-75% zero-emission truck sales by 2035 - without following a legal requirement to notify environmental committees, as mandated by 2003 law authorizing only California's "phase 2" low-emission vehicle program. The resolution gives the DEP 30 days to amend or withdraw the rules, or the legislature may later pass another resolution to invalidate them. This procedural action directly affects the DEP's rulemaking authority and the timeline for truck manufacturers to comply with the program.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

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

A 3553: Exempts certain plastic materials processed at advanced plastic processing facilities from State laws regulating solid waste disposal and recycling.

This bill exempts plastic materials processed at designated "advanced plastic processing facilities" from New Jersey's solid waste disposal and recycling laws. These facilities must transform plastic into non-fuel products (like chemicals or monomers) using methods such as pyrolysis, not into fuel. The exemption excludes PETE (code 1) and HDPE (code 2) plastics. Processors using these facilities avoid state recycling/disposal rules but remain subject to air/water pollution and land-use laws.

Topics ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1710: Provides "Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act" exemption, and clarifies municipal planning or zoning authority, for certain development along commercial corridors in Highlands Region.

This bill exempts certain commercial development along designated corridors in New Jersey's Highlands Region from specific requirements of the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act. It directly affects municipalities and developers planning projects on commercial thoroughfares zoned for business use within the Highlands Region. The bill clarifies that local governments may approve such developments without triggering the full Highlands Act review process, while maintaining standard municipal zoning and planning authority. This streamlines approval for commercial corridors deemed essential for local economic viability, without altering broader water protection standards.

Topics ✗ Environment

All environment bills