Environment in New Jersey

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 126: Appropriates $4 million to DEP for local cost share of certain beach replenishment project in Ocean County.

This bill appropriates $4 million from New Jersey's General Fund to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to cover the state's portion of the local cost share required for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers beach replenishment project on the Barnegat Peninsula in Ocean County. It directly affects Ocean County municipalities, which face an unaffordable $7.5 million local cost share for the project after federal funding covers most costs. The $4 million helps meet the state's obligation, enabling the project - scheduled for late 2022/early 2023 - to proceed and protect 14 miles of coastline from erosion and flooding. The funding is specifically for the state's share of the nonfederal cost, not the project's total expense.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics State Budget

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 646: Requires manufacturers of electric vehicles to establish and implement electric vehicle battery management plans.

S 646 (the "Electric Vehicle Battery Management Act") requires electric vehicle manufacturers selling vehicles in New Jersey to create and implement plans for managing used EV batteries. It directly affects EV manufacturers, who must cover all costs for collecting, transporting, reusing, and recycling batteries using environmentally safe methods - prioritizing reuse over disposal. Key provisions include submitting detailed plans within 180 days (including consumer education, reuse strategies, and recycling infrastructure), updating plans every two years, and ensuring manufacturers finance the entire process. The bill aims to address environmental risks from toxic batteries (like lithium-ion) by shifting responsibility from consumers to manufacturers.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Energy Storage Recycling Electric Vehicles

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2273: Prohibits certain uses of perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene.

S 2273 bans the use of perchloroethylene (PCE) in consumer and commercial products and prohibits all commercial uses of trichloroethylene (TCE) in New Jersey. The bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection to adopt rules within two years that mirror the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 regulations on these chemicals, including any exemptions or phased timelines. Facilities that continue using PCE must implement measures to protect workers from exposure. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1662: Revises requirements for certain greenhouse gas emissions monitoring and reporting activities.

This bill updates New Jersey's rules for tracking and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. It requires companies in fossil fuel production (like refineries and pipelines), electricity generators (including imported power), and gas utilities to report emissions annually, using a 20-year time horizon for calculating global warming impacts. The reporting must show progress toward state targets: maintaining emissions at 1990 levels by 2020, reducing them 50% from 2006 by 2030, and cutting them 80% by 2050. The Department of Environmental Protection will establish these reporting rules within 18 months.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Climate Change

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1208: Directs DEP to develop State water infrastructure investment plan; requires NJ Infrastructure Bank to publish additional information about water infrastructure projects; appropriates $200,000 to NJ Infrastructure Bank.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a comprehensive State Water Infrastructure Investment Plan every five years, detailing funding needs and strategies for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. It mandates the DEP to consult with stakeholders, include public input through comment periods and meetings, and address priorities like environmental justice and climate resilience. The New Jersey Infrastructure Bank must publish additional project information and receives $200,000 to support these requirements. The plan directly affects all municipalities and water utilities across New Jersey by establishing a statewide strategy for infrastructure investment and funding coordination.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Environmental Justice Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 630: Prohibits sale, distribution, and import of certain products marketed as recyclable, unless DEP determines that products are widely recycled.

This bill prohibits the sale, distribution, or import of products or packaging that make deceptive recyclability claims (like using the chasing arrows symbol) unless the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) determines the product is widely recyclable. The DEP must create a list by January 2027 identifying materials that are recyclable in the state, based on whether they are collected by curbside recycling programs covering at least 60% of New Jersey’s population and routinely used to make new products. Products meeting the DEP’s criteria can display recyclability symbols, while others cannot. The bill includes exemptions for federal requirements, composting labels, and a transition period for manufacturers until 2027.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 201: Requires DEP to adopt rules and regulations establishing alternative provisions by which vehicle manufacturers may comply with Low Emission Vehicle program.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create an "Interim Alternative ZEV Compliance Program" within one year of enactment. It directly affects vehicle manufacturers by allowing them to comply with the state's Low Emission Vehicle program for model years 2027-2031 through an alternative method. Instead of meeting strict zero-emission vehicle sales quotas, manufacturers may offer dealers a portfolio of required zero-emission vehicles based on actual consumer demand, without mandating specific purchases. This alternative pathway provides manufacturers with a defense against penalties for noncompliance with the standard sales requirements.

Topics ✓ Energy ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3024: Changes certain allocations and amounts of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for Fiscal Year 2026 and thereafter; authorizes Garden State Preservation Trust and local governments to acquire lands in urban areas for agricultural or horticultural purposes.

S 3024 redirects state tax revenues for fiscal year 2026 and beyond to fund specific land preservation programs. It establishes a new "Preserve New Jersey Urban Agriculture and Horticulture Fund" that will receive 5% of dedicated funds annually (plus a $25 million one-time deposit) to help Garden State Preservation Trust and local governments acquire urban lands for farming or gardening. The bill changes allocation percentages from previous law, increasing funding for farmland preservation (26% vs. 31% under current law) and creating the dedicated urban fund. This directly affects local governments and the Garden State Preservation Trust, which must review annual funding allocations for conservation, farmland, and historic preservation programs. The policy focuses on supporting urban agricultural access through land acquisition, not new taxes or regulations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1541: Authorizes municipalities to adopt ordinances requiring maintenance and repair of certain wharves, piers, docks, and bulkheads.

S 1541 authorizes New Jersey municipalities to adopt local ordinances requiring regular maintenance and repair of wharves, piers, docks, and bulkheads along navigable waterways. The bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish minimum safety and environmental standards within 18 months, considering location and use, and provides technical guidance for inspections, owner notifications, and compliance verification. Municipalities may impose fines up to $500 for first offenses or $2,000 for repeat violations, with possible jail terms of up to 90 days. This law applies directly to waterfront property owners and local governments, adding to existing requirements without replacing other applicable regulations.

Topics ✓ Environment

All environment bills