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.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to prioritize green stormwater infrastructure - such as pervious pavement, bio-retention basins, and grass swales - in the design, construction, reconstruction, and repair of public highways funded by the Special Transportation Fund. It mandates DOT to establish a program that uses these methods to reduce stormwater runoff by treating water through vegetation or soil, where practical. The law applies specifically to highway projects using funds from the designated transportation budget and takes effect immediately. It does not change funding levels but directs how existing funds must be allocated for stormwater management.
S 608, the Water Resources Protection Trust Fund Act, requires public water systems and large commercial/industrial users to pay a fee based on their water consumption or diversion (e.g., taking water from rivers or aquifers not returned to the source). Revenue from this fee will fund projects to improve water quality, supply reliability, and aging infrastructure, such as repairing broken pipes, reducing leaks, and addressing lead contamination in drinking water systems. The bill directly affects entities operating public water systems (serving 15+ connections) and businesses with significant water use. It creates a dedicated funding stream to address New Jersey's deteriorating water resources and infrastructure, replacing reliance on insufficient existing funding.
This bill creates the "Drinking Water Emergency Response Fund" within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), appropriating $1 million from the General Fund to establish this nonlapsing (renewable) fund. The fund directly affects the DEP and publicly owned drinking water systems by providing resources for emergency responses to unexpected contamination events, such as chemical spills, water contamination incidents, or harmful algal blooms. Key provisions allow the fund to cover both DEP-led emergency efforts and direct financial support to public water systems for similar emergencies. The bill also includes additional FY2024 supplemental appropriations totaling $5.85 million for specific DEP divisions, including $2 million for water supply operations and $1.45 million for park management, to support new staff salaries.
S 2299 creates the Highlands Conservation Trust to permanently preserve environmentally significant land in New Jersey's Highlands Region. The trust will acquire and hold land - such as forests, wetlands, and historic sites - to protect natural resources like clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreational areas. It will fund these efforts through revenue generated by a new "Highlands conservation license plate" program. The trust is governed by a seven-member board appointed by the Governor and local officials, with oversight focused on long-term land conservation.
This bill restricts phosphorus levels in household cleaning products sold in New Jersey and requires clear labeling of phosphorus content. It prohibits most household cleansers from containing phosphorus compounds (except trace amounts), with limited exceptions for dishwasher detergents (max 0.5% phosphorus) and food/dairy equipment cleaners (max 8.7% phosphorus). Manufacturers must label products with the percentage by weight of phosphorus and grams per recommended use, and commercial establishments (like restaurants) cannot use non-compliant products. The law applies to all distributors, retailers, and commercial users of these products within the state.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to identify and designate municipalities with "critical headwaters" (water sources supplying drinking water to at least 1 million residents, per census data) as "headwater guardians." These municipalities must implement specific environmental protections like enhanced stormwater management, groundwater recharge standards, and riparian buffers to safeguard water quality and supply. The DEP must develop this process within one year, publish designated municipalities online, and hold public comment periods before finalizing protections. Annual reports will track outcomes like pollutant reductions and preserved buffers, aligning with existing water quality laws.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to assess the combined stormwater impact of warehouse and high-density development projects when reviewing permit applications. It mandates the DEP to evaluate how these projects affect not just the applicant municipality, but also neighboring towns and the broader watershed. The DEP must ensure stormwater management minimizes runoff to adjacent properties, protects stream health, recharges groundwater, and prevents increased pollution in the watershed. This policy directly affects developers seeking permits for warehouses or dense projects and ensures regional environmental considerations are part of the review process.
This bill (S 1658) allows New Jersey municipalities to adopt stricter storm water management standards for residential development projects than the state’s minimum requirements. It directly affects local governments (municipalities) and residential developers, giving municipalities the authority to implement more rigorous storm water controls. The key provision amends existing law to explicitly permit municipalities to set higher standards under various state environmental laws (e.g., the Water Pollution Control Act, Flood Hazard Area Control Act). This change does not alter state minimum standards but provides local flexibility to address community-specific storm water concerns.
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.
