Environment (Conservation) in New Jersey

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

A 3195: Dedicates $500,000 annually in revenues from vessel registration and renewal fees to NJ Greenwood Lake Fund.

This bill establishes the "New Jersey Greenwood Lake Fund" to dedicate $500,000 annually from New Jersey vessel registration and renewal fees toward protecting and maintaining Greenwood Lake. The fund, administered by the Department of Environmental Protection, will support projects exclusively on the New Jersey side of the lake, including water quality, recreation, and conservation efforts. It ensures these funds can be used without requiring matching contributions from New York State, even when joint projects are needed. The lake provides drinking water for 3.5 million residents and is a major recreational area for boating and outdoor activities.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Drinking Water Water Quality

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

A 1874: Makes FY2023 supplemental appropriation of $17 million to DEP for grants for certain lake management activities.

This bill appropriates $17 million from the General Fund to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for fiscal year 2023. It establishes a grant program to assist qualified entities - including lake commissions (like Greenwood Lake and Lake Hopatcong), local governments, and nonprofits - focusing on lake management for recreation and conservation. Grants prioritize projects improving water quality, preventing harmful algal blooms, increasing public access, and controlling pollution that affects lake use. The DEP must develop application criteria and administer the program, with funds limited to eligible lake management activities.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Conservation Water Quality

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

A 2514: Provides that potable water well construction projects on preserved farms are eligible to receive soil and water conservation grants from SADC.

Bill A 2514 expands eligibility for state soil and water conservation grants to include potable water well construction projects on preserved farmland. It directly affects farmers enrolled in municipal farmland preservation programs or holding development easements on their land. The bill adds water well construction to the existing list of eligible projects (like irrigation systems and erosion control), allowing landowners to apply for grants through local soil conservation districts. To qualify, projects must be part of a farmland conservation plan and the land must be within a preservation program or subject to a development easement.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

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

A 4033: Expands definition of "qualifying land" to include certain deeds of easement excluding certain portions of farm from preservation.

This bill amends New Jersey's rural microenterprise permit law by expanding the definition of "qualifying land" to include properties covered by certain types of easement deeds. It specifically excludes portions of farms from preservation requirements when these easements are in place. The change allows farmers with such easements to apply for special permits for small-scale rural businesses (like bed-and-breakfasts or equipment repair) on their land, subject to limits like a one-acre area cap and no interference with farming. This directly affects farmers holding specific easements who seek to operate permitted microenterprises without triggering full farmland preservation rules on excluded portions.

Topics ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Tags Agriculture

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3097: Requires environmental sustainability plan for State House Complex.

This bill requires the State Capitol Joint Management Commission to create and implement an environmental sustainability plan for the New Jersey State House Complex. The plan must include specific measures like improving energy efficiency (using Energy Star products and alternative energy), water conservation, adopting green building standards, using sustainable food services (like locally sourced foods and compostable utensils), and reducing carbon emissions. The Commission must update the plan every four years, issue annual public progress reports online, and track performance metrics. This requirement directly affects all operations and management of the State House Complex, including maintenance, renovations, and contracting decisions.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Climate Change Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 2, 2026

S 3258: Increases cap on grants for farmland stewardship activities to $100,000 per application.

This bill increases the maximum grant amount for farmland stewardship activities on preserved farmland from $20,000 to $100,000 per application. It directly affects New Jersey farmers who preserve land under the state's farmland preservation program and seek funding for projects like soil conservation, deer fencing, or water management. The key change removes the previous $200 per acre limit and adjusts the program to allow larger-scale projects as inflation has made current grants insufficient for meaningful stewardship. The bill aims to address rising costs for activities that restore or improve preserved farmland, such as repairing soil health or enhancing flood resilience.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation

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

A 1518: Directs DEP to establish leasing program for State-owned land to be used and managed as pollinator habitat.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a program allowing qualified entities - including local governments, nonprofits, and individuals - to lease state-owned land for developing and managing pollinator habitat. The DEP must establish rules (in consultation with the Department of Agriculture) to identify suitable land and select appropriate lessees, focusing on areas beneficial for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The program requires no new taxes or fees but formalizes how state land can be used to support pollinator conservation.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3567: Permits small businesses to qualify for loans from EDA for costs of energy audit and making energy efficiency or conservation improvements.

This bill establishes a New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) program offering low-interest loans to eligible small businesses. It covers 100% of costs for energy audits (conducted by licensed contractors) and installing energy efficiency or conservation equipment at their buildings. Loans are capped at 10 years with interest rates not exceeding 3% or half the prime rate, and are available to independently owned businesses operating primarily in New Jersey. The program directly affects small businesses seeking to reduce energy use through certified improvements.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Conservation

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

A 3030: Creates "Pollinator Pathway" designation for municipalities.

This bill creates a voluntary "Pollinator Pathway" designation for New Jersey municipalities that meet specific habitat standards. To qualify, municipalities must establish pollinator habitats with native plants (including at least one milkweed species to support butterflies), provide seasonal nectar sources, water/shelter, and implement five conservation practices like removing invasive plants, avoiding pesticides, and using native species. The Department of Environmental Protection will develop a logo contest every decade for signage to identify designated pathways. The program aims to support declining pollinators (bees, butterflies, birds) while reducing municipal maintenance costs through eco-friendly land management.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands

passed · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 1873: Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to prioritize funding for two types of projects: (1) land acquisition for recreation and conservation, and (2) environmental infrastructure projects that include or enable flood mitigation. It directly affects local governments, nonprofits, and communities seeking DEP grants under the Green Acres program, which uses constitutionally dedicated funds. Key provisions mandate that DEP establish criteria prioritizing projects that protect floodplains, reduce flood risk, conserve natural resources, and support recreational access. The bill amends existing laws to ensure these factors are explicitly considered when ranking eligible projects for funding.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Parks & Recreation

All environment bills