Environment in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

SR 101: Declares New Jersey's natural lands essential infrastructure; recognizes need for land conservation.

Senate Resolution 101 declares New Jersey's natural lands, including forests, farms, and wetlands, as essential infrastructure that supports public health, safety, and economic stability. The resolution recognizes the need for strategic land conservation to provide benefits like clean water, flood control, and air quality improvement. It specifically sets a goal for the state to conserve 500,000 acres by 2050 and directs copies of the resolution to the New Jersey State Director of The Nature Conservancy. This bill does not allocate funding or change laws but serves as a formal statement of policy and intent.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Air Quality Conservation Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 4296: "Power NJ Act"; establishes advanced nuclear energy procurement program in BPU.

The Power NJ Act creates a procurement program within the Board of Public Utilities to help New Jersey acquire advanced nuclear energy. This initiative aims to address rising electricity costs and grid reliability issues by supporting the construction of new, safer nuclear reactors that provide consistent, zero-carbon power. The bill also seeks to stimulate economic growth by creating jobs and fostering a local supply chain for nuclear projects. By establishing this program, the state intends to secure a dependable energy source that supports both environmental goals and economic development.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Nuclear

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 28, 2026

A 5130: "Vehicle Choice Protection Act"; prohibits State agencies from adopting rules, regulations, or policies that restrict or prohibit sale, registration, or use of new internal combustion vehicles in State.

The Vehicle Choice Protection Act prevents New Jersey state agencies from creating any rules or policies that ban or limit the sale, registration, or use of new internal combustion engine vehicles. This legislation defines internal combustion vehicles as those powered by gasoline, diesel, or other hydrocarbon fuels and explicitly forbids government bodies from restricting consumer access to these cars. By blocking future regulations that would phase out these vehicles, the bill ensures that drivers can continue to purchase and operate traditional cars without state interference. The law takes effect immediately upon introduction, securing the ability to buy and use new non-electric vehicles across the state.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment ✗ Transportation

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

A 5055: Establishes solar energy grant program in BPU to provide grants to public schools for solar energy projects; appropriates $15 million.

This bill creates a $15 million grant program within the Board of Public Utilities to help New Jersey public schools and colleges install solar energy systems. The program allows eligible institutions to receive up to 50 percent of the costs for purchasing and installing solar panels, energy storage, and related equipment without needing to provide matching funds. To ensure long-term value, the legislation requires that if a school facility is sold within 20 years, the new owner must reimburse a portion of the grant based on how long the project has been in place. The Board of Public Utilities will develop application guidelines and monitor how the funds are used to meet the state's climate and energy goals.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Solar

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4998: Authorizes use of certain constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for grants for prevention and remediation of harmful algal blooms.

This bill amends New Jersey laws to allow a portion of constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax revenues to fund grants aimed at preventing and remediating harmful algal blooms. The legislation establishes a revolving fund within the Department of Environmental Protection that will receive annual contributions from the tax revenue specifically earmarked for water quality and pollution prevention. These funds can be used to support various water management activities, including monitoring programs, pollution source identification, and the creation of watershed management plans. A key provision authorizes the state to provide grants to local governments for sewer or stormwater infrastructure projects that reduce nonpoint pollution in lakes and reservoirs, with the money potentially serving as matching funds for other grants. The bill directly affects the state's environmental agencies and local municipalities by creating a new financial mechanism to address water quality issues.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Revenue Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

A 5094: Exempts sale of land to nonprofit organizations for preservation for recreation and conservation purposes from realty transfer fee.

This bill exempts the sale of land to nonprofit organizations from New Jersey's realty transfer fee when the land is purchased for permanent preservation for recreation and conservation purposes. The exemption applies specifically to transactions conducted under the "Preserve New Jersey Act," allowing these groups to acquire property without paying the standard transfer charge. By removing this financial barrier, the legislation aims to support land conservation efforts while maintaining the fee for other property transfers. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 18, 2026

A 5113: Establishes "New Jersey Small Business Indoor Air Quality Management Support Program."

This bill creates the New Jersey Small Business Indoor Air Quality Management Support Program to provide financial assistance to small businesses with 100 or fewer employees. Administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection, the program offers loans for capital purchases, employee training, and new hires aimed at improving indoor air quality. To ensure quality, any work funded by the program must be performed by organizations certified by specific industry bureaus, and businesses that receive grants may apply for a state certification based on a successful inspection. The authority sets the interest rates and terms for these loans while requiring applicants to prove their eligibility as small businesses.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Air Quality Professional Licensing Tags Small Business

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 28, 2026

A 5139: Increases allowable amount of farmland preservation grants to nonprofit organizations.

This bill would increase the maximum state funding for farmland preservation grants given to nonprofit organizations from 50 percent to 80 percent. Currently, while local governments can receive up to 80 percent of the cost for acquiring farmland easements or full ownership, nonprofits are limited to a lower share. The legislation aligns the funding rate for nonprofits with that of local governments to help them purchase development easements or acquire land titles for agricultural use. Under the new provisions, the State Agriculture Development Committee would approve the terms of easements held by these organizations, and any future proceeds from the land would be reinvested into farmland preservation efforts.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

signed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jul 13, 2026

A 4881: "Power NJ Act"; establishes advanced nuclear energy procurement program in BPU.

The Power NJ Act establishes a procurement program within the Board of Public Utilities to help New Jersey acquire advanced nuclear energy projects. This legislation aims to address rising electricity costs and grid reliability concerns by promoting the construction of new, carbon-free nuclear facilities. The bill defines advanced nuclear energy projects and outlines the state's interest in supporting these developments for economic growth and energy security. By creating this program, the state seeks to attract new nuclear capacity to replace retired facilities and support local job creation.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Nuclear

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 28, 2026

S 4364: Establishes program and investment fund in DEP to support implementation of Wildlife Corridor Action Plan; authorizes creation of special Wildlife Corridor license plates.

This bill creates a new program within the Department of Environmental Protection to help build wildlife corridors by partnering with private businesses, non-profits, and academic institutions. It also establishes a special license plate for vehicles that supports these conservation projects. Owners who choose these plates will pay an extra $50 application fee and $10 annual fee, which go into a dedicated investment fund to finance the construction and maintenance of wildlife crossings. The bill requires government officials to appoint a liaison to manage these partnerships and track how the money is used. Additionally, the bill mandates that the department report on the program's progress and effectiveness every five years.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

All environment bills