Environment (Coastal & Flood Protection) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1658: Permits municipalities to adopt more stringent site improvement standards for storm water management related to residential developments.

This bill (S 1658) allows New Jersey municipalities to adopt stricter storm water management standards for residential development projects than the state’s minimum requirements. It directly affects local governments (municipalities) and residential developers, giving municipalities the authority to implement more rigorous storm water controls. The key provision amends existing law to explicitly permit municipalities to set higher standards under various state environmental laws (e.g., the Water Pollution Control Act, Flood Hazard Area Control Act). This change does not alter state minimum standards but provides local flexibility to address community-specific storm water concerns.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1300: "Flood Control, Mitigation, and Prevention Bond Act"; authorizes bonds for up to $2 billion and appropriates $5,000.

This bill authorizes New Jersey to issue up to $2 billion in state bonds to fund flood control, mitigation, and prevention infrastructure projects across the state. It directly affects all residents and businesses in flood-prone areas, particularly those in the Passaic River Basin, by financing structural projects like levees, dams, river channel improvements, and floodgate systems. The funds will cover construction, engineering, and related costs for projects identified in the Passaic River Basin Flood Advisory Commission's recommendations, excluding property buyouts or land preservation. The bonds require voter approval at a general election, with proceeds dedicated solely to flood infrastructure to reduce future damage and economic disruption.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1337: Establishes Office of River Maintenance in DEP; repeals P.L.1993, c.376 concerning stream cleaning activities.

S 1337 establishes a dedicated Office of River Maintenance within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to manage river health. This office will oversee all stream cleaning (removing debris/sediment) and bank stabilization projects across state waterways, replacing the previous system under P.L.1993, c.376. Key provisions require projects to preserve historic stream contours, protect vegetation on southern/western banks, coordinate with wildlife agencies near endangered species, and comply with wetlands and flood control laws. The bill directly affects DEP operations, local municipalities managing waterways, and ecosystems in protected waters like trout habitats and Category One waters.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1608: Requires DEP and New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to provide priority for principal forgiveness on environmental infrastructure project loans to municipalities in coastal areas.

This bill (S 1608) requires the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to prioritize principal forgiveness for environmental infrastructure loans to coastal municipalities. It directly affects municipalities in coastal areas seeking financing for wastewater treatment, water supply, or stormwater management projects. The key mechanism mandates that these entities give priority consideration to such projects when approving loan forgiveness under existing environmental financing programs. This policy change aims to support coastal communities facing infrastructure challenges by reducing their long-term debt burden on eligible projects.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 669: Establishes natural disaster relief grant program in DEP; appropriates $250 million.

This bill establishes a DEP-administered grant program to help local governments and school districts repair facilities damaged by climate change-related disasters like flooding or storms. It provides grants covering up to 50% of eligible project costs, with $250 million allocated from the General Fund into a dedicated Climate Change Relief Fund. The program requires the DEP to set eligibility rules, application procedures, and annual reports on program effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature. It directly affects municipalities, school districts, and county agencies with climate-damaged infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics State Budget Climate Change Coastal & Flood Protection Natural Disasters

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1304: Establishes home elevation fund and dedicates up to $5 million of realty transfer fee revenue annually for this purpose.

Bill S 1304 creates a dedicated "Flood Protection and Home Elevation Fund" using up to $5 million annually from realty transfer fees. It reimburses eligible homeowners for 25% of annual interest payments on loans used to elevate single-family or two-family homes (to reduce flood damage), capped at $750 per year, provided the homeowner’s county matches the reimbursement amount. Homeowners must complete elevation projects, obtain required approvals, and submit proof to qualify for annual reimbursements. The fund applies only to primary residences in flood-prone areas and requires counties to establish matching funding sources before providing support.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1009: Appropriates $5 million to Cranford Township for flood control projects.

This bill appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to Cranford Township for flood control projects. It directly affects residents and infrastructure in Cranford, Union County, by funding specific flood mitigation work. Key provisions include constructing a pumping station to divert stormwater into the Rahway River, upgrading storm sewers, developing wetland data, and elevating riverbank dikes. The funds are allocated under a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Environmental Protection for the Cranford Northeast Quadrant Flood Control Project. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1530: Requires DEP to assume responsibility for dredging of waterways providing boat access to lagoon communities; appropriates $6,000,000.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to take responsibility for dredging all waterways providing boat access to "lagoon communities" (coastal neighborhoods developed with lagoon-based boat access), including those not officially designated as navigational channels. It mandates the DEP to create a list of affected communities and a two-year dredging schedule within one year of the bill's effective date, followed by a maintenance schedule with annual cost estimates. The bill appropriates $6 million total ($5 million for initial dredging and $1 million for maintenance) to fund these efforts. It directly affects residents and properties in designated lagoon communities like Cedar Creek, Mystic Island Lagoons, and others, aiming to maintain economic and environmental health in coastal areas.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1644: Establishes Small Business Resiliency Project Loan Program in EDA for certain small businesses implementing certain resiliency projects.

New Jersey's S 1644 establishes a loan program through the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide low-interest loans to small businesses (under 50 employees) for climate resiliency projects. The program targets businesses implementing projects like flood protection, water system upgrades, broadband expansion, or climate adaptation measures to reduce damage from events like hurricanes or sea-level rise. Loans will be issued from a dedicated revolving fund, replenished by repayments, with priority given to projects benefiting communities with climate vulnerability plans. Businesses must submit applications proving eligibility and outlining how funds will be used, and must provide annual financial reports until loans are repaid.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Broadband Access Tags Small Business

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 28, 2026

S 2338: "Polluters Pay to Make New Jersey More Affordable Act"; imposes cost recovery payments on certain fossil fuel companies for funds needed for climate change adaptation; establishes program in DEP to collect and oversee distribution of funds.*

S 2338, the "Climate Superfund Act," imposes strict liability on fossil fuel companies responsible for over one billion metric tons of covered greenhouse gas emissions during 1995-2026 (the "covered period"). It requires these companies to pay compensatory damages into a state fund managed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The collected funds will finance climate change adaptation projects - such as flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and heat-resilient housing - as defined in the bill. This legislation directly affects major fossil fuel extraction and refining entities operating in New Jersey during the covered period, establishing a new cost recovery program without requiring proof of negligence.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Climate Change Coastal & Flood Protection Hazardous Materials

All environment bills