Environment in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1072: Requires State entities to recycle certain materials and provide recycling bins in State buildings.

This bill requires all New Jersey state entities (including agencies, universities, and offices) to separate and recycle specific materials - aluminum, corrugated cardboard, glass, paper, and plastic - from waste generated at their owned, leased, or operated buildings. State entities must establish collection procedures, contract with licensed recyclers, and provide accessible recycling bins, signage, and education for both employees and the public. The law excludes state parks/forests using a "carry-in, carry-out" trash program. The Department of Treasury, with the Environmental Protection Department, must create compliance guidance within 180 days and ensure all state branches follow the requirements.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SR 17: Urges lending institutions in State to stop financing projects that contribute to climate change.

This non-binding Senate Resolution (SR 17) urges New Jersey's lending institutions to stop financing projects that contribute to climate change, such as fossil fuel exploration and extraction. It cites that major global banks provided $3.8 trillion to oil, gas, and coal companies between 2016-2020, while noting negative impacts like health issues for the Mapuche people in Argentina and forced relocations in Mozambique linked to such projects. The resolution references NatWest's example of pledging $133 billion for sustainable energy by 2025 and phasing out coal financing by 2030. It does not mandate action but calls on institutions to align with Paris Agreement goals and reduce fossil fuel funding.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coal Oil & Gas Climate Change

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 670: Requires producers of plastic packaging and certain other plastic products to reduce quantity of plastic sold; restricts additional substances under "Toxic Packaging Reduction Act."

New Jersey's S 670, the "Toxic Packaging Reduction Act," requires plastic packaging producers to gradually reduce plastic use by 50% over 10 years (starting at 90% of baseline after 2 years). It mandates that cardboard packaging sold in the state must contain 75% recycled content after 2 years. The bill creates a Toxic Packaging Task Force to identify harmful chemicals in packaging and recommend restrictions. This directly affects plastic producers selling packaging or products in New Jersey, excluding medical devices, food packaging, and certain industrial materials.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1573: Requires green building standards and impact studies for carbon, traffic, storm water, and schools for certain affordable housing development.

This bill requires new affordable housing developments (10+ units or 4+ stories) to meet minimum green building standards, such as LEED Silver certification, and conduct specific impact studies. Developers must submit traffic, school, stormwater, and carbon impact reports (for projects clearing over one acre) to local municipalities before construction. It applies only to new projects, not those with applications submitted before the bill's effective date. The law directs the Community Affairs Commissioner to create implementing rules within eight months of enactment.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Water Quality Affordable Housing Building Codes Historic Preservation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1874: Establishes "New Farmers Improvement Grant Program" to provide matching grants for farm improvements to beginning farmers.

This bill establishes New Jersey's "New Farmers Improvement Grant Program" to provide matching grants for beginning farmers making specific farm improvements. Beginning farmers (defined as those with no prior farming experience, farming for 10 years or less in NJ, or qualifying under federal law) can apply for grants of $15,000-$50,000, covering up to 50% of project costs. Grants fund projects that diversify farming operations (like expanding crop types), implement sustainable practices (such as organic farming or water conservation), or create partnerships with food hubs. To qualify, applicants must operate a farm ≤150 acres, have $10,000+ in annual sales, and actively participate in farming.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1723: Requires forest stewardship plan for certain lands acquired for recreation and conservation purposes.

This bill requires forest stewardship plans for lands with 25+ acres of forest acquired using specific public funds (like Green Acres bonds or CBT moneys) for recreation or conservation. The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must create plans within two years for new forested acquisitions and for all existing state-owned forested lands (25+ acres) within five years of the law's enactment. Local governments and qualifying nonprofits using the same funding must also prepare plans within two years of acquisition, submit them to the DEP for approval within 30 days, and comply with DEP sustainability rules. The DEP must prioritize funding applications from entities that implement such plans on lands where plans aren't otherwise required.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry Parks & Recreation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 84: "Barnegat Bay Protection Act"; establishes Barnegat Bay Protection Fund, dedicates portion of sales tax on fertilizer, authorizes special license plates, and provides for donations.

This bill creates the Barnegat Bay Protection Fund to support conservation efforts in New Jersey's Barnegat Bay estuary watershed. It directly affects residents and businesses in Ocean and Monmouth Counties (home to over 500,000 people) by dedicating 1% of fertilizer sales tax revenue, establishing "Protect Barnegat Bay" license plates with a $50 initial fee and $10 annual fee, and collecting donations at boat registrations, vessel renewals, and beach access points. Funds will be used exclusively for watershed preservation, remediation, and public education campaigns. The fund is managed by the State Treasurer with input from the Environmental Protection Department, and annual reports will detail fund sources and uses.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax Conservation Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 617: Requires Division of Rate Counsel to consider environmental impacts of proposed rate or service measure when representing public interest in certain proceedings and appeals.

This bill requires New Jersey's Division of Rate Counsel to evaluate environmental impacts when representing the public interest in utility rate or service decisions. It mandates consideration of climate effects, including the social cost of carbon, how proposals affect the state's de-carbonization goals, and whether they worsen environmental health burdens in overburdened communities. The Division must prioritize cases with the greatest potential impact on climate, carbon goals, or environmental stressors. This change applies to all utility rate proceedings where the Division advocates for the public interest. The bill directly affects how utility rate decisions are reviewed by the state.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Utility Regulation

died · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 671: Prohibits food service business from providing single-use utensils and condiments to customers under certain circumstances and requires DEP to establish education campaign on benefits of reducing single-use utensils and condiments.

This bill (S 671) requires most full-service restaurants (with 10+ seats) to stop providing single-use utensils or condiments to dine-in customers, instead offering reusable options that customers must return after use. Casual dining establishments may only provide these items if customers specifically request them, and online orders must default to "no utensils" unless requested. Exemptions include schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and food courts (for two years), while pre-packaged items with attached utensils are also exempt. The bill also mandates the Environmental Protection Department to run an education campaign about reducing single-use items and imposes fines ($1,000 for second offense) for violations.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 628: Authorizes regulation of greenhouse gas emissions under "Air Pollution Control Act (1954)" and "Global Warming Response Act."

This bill authorizes New Jersey to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the existing Air Pollution Control Act and Global Warming Response Act. It directly affects large industrial facilities (defined as "major facilities" emitting over specific thresholds like 100 tons/year of carbon monoxide or 10 tons/year of hazardous pollutants) by requiring them to report emissions annually and pay emission fees. Key provisions include setting statewide emission limits based on the 2007 Global Warming Response Act, mandating annual emission statements, and defining "greenhouse gas" consistently with prior law. The bill creates a framework for tracking and fees but does not establish new emission targets or penalties beyond existing regulatory mechanisms.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Air Quality Climate Change

All environment bills