Environment in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SR 55: Urges EPA to expend funds from NJ Superfund settlements to remediate sites at issue.

This Senate Resolution (SR 55) urges the federal EPA to use funds from New Jersey's Superfund settlements **exclusively for cleaning up specific contaminated sites in New Jersey** - not for administrative costs elsewhere. It specifically requests the EPA limit settlement-related overhead costs (like agency management) to **no more than 10% of the total settlement value**, following New Jersey's established practice. The resolution targets the state's 115 Superfund sites on the EPA's National Priorities List - the highest number in the U.S. - which require remediation to address environmental and health risks. It does not create new law but formally requests EPA action to prioritize local cleanup.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Hazardous Materials

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SCR 28: Strongly urges DEP to adopt standards for certain drinking water contaminants as recommended by NJ Drinking Water Quality Institute.

SCR 28 is a concurrent resolution urging the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to adopt drinking water standards for 14 contaminants recommended by the New Jersey Drinking Water Quality Institute (DWQI). It specifically references contaminants like perchlorate (used in explosives), radon-222 (a radioactive carcinogen), and formaldehyde (used in embalming), which the DWQI has recommended since 2005-2009 but the DEP has not adopted. The resolution highlights that the DEP has not acted on these recommendations despite the 1983 Safe Drinking Water Act requiring it to establish standards for such contaminants. This resolution has no legal force but formally requests the DEP consider these science-based standards to protect public health.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality Public Health

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2914: Directs BPU to adopt rules and regulations concerning small modular nuclear reactors; authorizes EDA to incentivize construction and operation of reactors.

S 2914 directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create rules for small modular nuclear reactors (defined as reactors under 300 megawatts capacity) and authorizes the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to use funds from the Global Warming Solutions Fund to incentivize their construction and operation. Specifically, 60% of the fund's annual allocation would support EDA grants for commercial, institutional, and industrial projects focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and carbon-reduction technologies - including small nuclear reactors. This bill directly affects EDA, which would administer the incentives, and companies developing or operating small modular nuclear reactors in New Jersey. The policy change shifts a portion of existing climate funding toward financial support for this specific nuclear technology.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Nuclear Renewable Energy Climate Change

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2359: "Mattress Stewardship Act;" requires mattress producers to join stewardship organization and implement mattress stewardship program.

S 2359, the "Mattress Stewardship Act," requires mattress producers (including manufacturers and importers) to join a nonprofit stewardship organization within one year of the law's effective date. These organizations must create a program to manage discarded mattresses through environmentally sound methods like recycling, renovation, or proper disposal, covering all mattresses sold in New Jersey regardless of brand. Retailers and renovators selling mattresses must also register with the stewardship organization. The program will be funded by a small fee added to mattress purchases ("stewardship assessment"), ensuring costs for collection and disposal are covered without direct consumer fees.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 666: Requires paint producers to implement or participate in paint stewardship program.

This bill, the "Architectural Paint Stewardship Act," requires paint producers (manufacturers selling interior or exterior paint in 5-gallon containers or smaller) to create or join a statewide program for managing leftover paint after consumer use. The program must establish convenient collection sites (ensuring 90% of residents have access within 15 miles), prioritize reuse and recycling over disposal, and cover costs for collection, transportation, and processing. It shifts responsibility for paint waste management from local governments and taxpayers to paint producers, aiming to reduce disposal costs and environmental impact. The law applies specifically to architectural paint, excluding industrial or specialty coatings.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SJR 68: Designates March 21 each year as "Renewable Energy Day" in NJ.

This resolution designates March 21 each year as "Renewable Energy Day" in New Jersey, requesting the Governor issue an annual proclamation to encourage public observance. It recognizes New Jersey's renewable energy progress - such as achieving 5 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2024 and aiming for 50% renewable energy by 2030 - while highlighting the state's commitment to equitable access and climate benefits. The measure is symbolic, with no new policies or funding, and aligns with the national "Renewable Energy Day" observed on March 21.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1164: Makes $500,000 supplemental appropriation from General Fund to DEP for dredging and restoration of Peckman River.

This bill allocates $500,000 from the state General Fund to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for dredging and restoration work on the Peckman River. It directly affects four municipalities - Cedar Grove, Little Falls, Verona, and Woodland Park - in Essex and Passaic counties, requiring them to submit a joint plan for DEP approval to access funds. The bill mandates DEP to establish an application process for distributing the funds and waives permit fees for activities matching the approved river restoration plan.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Parks & Recreation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 614: Requires producers of packaging products sold in New Jersey to adopt and implement packaging product stewardship plans.

S 614, the "Packaging Product Stewardship Act," requires manufacturers and sellers of packaging products sold in New Jersey to create and implement plans for managing packaging waste. These plans must cover the full lifecycle of discarded packaging - ensuring collection, reuse, recycling, and proper disposal through environmentally sound methods, while reducing waste and increasing recycled content in packaging. Producers must submit these plans to the Environmental Protection Department within 180 days of the law taking effect, prioritizing existing recycling infrastructure and consumer convenience. The bill is currently pending review by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee after its January 2026 introduction.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 657: Requires electric public utilities to develop and implement grid modernization plans; appropriates $300 million.

This bill requires New Jersey's electric public utilities to create and implement grid modernization plans within one year. The plans must address projects like improving storm resilience, integrating renewable energy, and meeting climate goals, with cost estimates and timelines. Utilities can recover implementation costs through rate adjustments, while a new $300 million Grid Modernization Ratepayer Relief Fund will provide financial assistance to customers facing rate increases. The Board of Public Utilities reviews and approves these plans, ensuring they align with state climate objectives and cost-effectiveness. The bill directly affects all electric utilities operating in New Jersey and their ratepayers.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Renewable Energy Utility Regulation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2491: Provides that potable water well construction projects on preserved farms are eligible to receive soil and water conservation grants from SADC.

This bill amends New Jersey law to allow potable water well construction projects on preserved farmland to qualify for soil and water conservation grants administered by the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC). It directly affects landowners enrolled in farmland preservation programs or holding development easements under the Farmland Assessment Act. The key change adds "potable water well construction" to the existing list of eligible projects, which previously included irrigation systems, erosion control, and drainage systems. To qualify, projects must be part of a farmland conservation plan and maintained for at least three years. This adjustment expands access to state grants for water infrastructure on protected agricultural land.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

All environment bills