Environment in New Jersey

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

A 4965: Prohibits hotels from providing guests with personal care products in single-use plastic containers under certain circumstances.

This New Jersey bill prohibits hotels from providing guests with personal care products in single-use plastic containers under specific conditions. Large hotels with 50 or more rooms must stop offering these items in guest rooms and shared bathrooms six months after the law takes effect, while all hotels must comply within one year. The legislation allows hotels to provide such products only upon a guest's specific request and only in areas outside of sleeping rooms or shared bathrooms. Violations of these rules can result in a warning for the first offense and fines of up to $1,500 for subsequent offenses, while also preventing local governments from creating their own conflicting regulations on this issue.

Topics ✓ Environment

signed · New Jersey · Senate Jul 8, 2026

S 4221: Appropriates funds to DEP for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2027.

This bill allocates state funds to the Department of Environmental Protection to support environmental infrastructure projects during fiscal year 2027. The money will be used to provide zero-interest or principal forgiveness loans to help finance clean water and drinking water initiatives. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the department to transfer money between different state revolving funds to ensure there is enough capital for these projects. Ultimately, the act aims to expand funding availability for essential water systems without changing the underlying loan terms.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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

A 5065: Prohibits harassing or taking of certain wildlife at competitive event; establishes penalties.

This bill prohibits the harassment or capture of specific animals, such as bobcats, raccoons, and squirrels, during competitive events where participants are rewarded for taking wildlife. It also bans individuals from organizing or participating in such events if they involve harming these animals, with the only exception being licensed field trials. Violators face criminal charges and a five-year suspension of their hunting licenses and wildlife possession privileges. Additionally, the law mandates that any injured animals be treated by professionals and requires the state to take ownership of remains from illegal events. Law enforcement agencies and wildlife officials are authorized to enforce these new restrictions.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4152: Requires MVC to conduct unscheduled surprise inspections of certain school buses.

This bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to conduct unscheduled surprise inspections of Type I and Type II school buses in addition to their existing scheduled checks. The law mandates that these inspections cover vehicle maintenance, emissions, and the review of driver employment and fleet records, with the timing and location determined by the commission. Operators who fail to provide access to buses or records, or who falsify documents, face fines ranging from $50 to $500 per violation. Additionally, the bill allows the commission to designate alternative inspection sites if a school bus operator lacks adequate terminal facilities for thorough examinations.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics School Transportation Driver Licensing Public Transit

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

A 4892: Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities; makes change to community solar program.

This bill creates a new Office of Clean Energy Equity within New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities to oversee clean energy programs specifically for overburdened communities. It mandates the establishment of onsite or community solar projects benefiting low-income households and requires the installation of energy storage systems in public facilities and low-income areas to improve grid resilience. The legislation also directs a minimum of 10 percent of the board's annual clean energy budget to this office, while requiring the integration of workforce training and community outreach into all related programs.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Resilience Renewable Energy Solar

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 11, 2026

A 5193: Appropriates funds to DEP for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2027.

This bill directs the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to use specific state funds to finance environmental infrastructure projects in fiscal year 2027. The legislation authorizes the department to provide zero-interest or principal forgiveness loans to sponsors for clean water and drinking water initiatives, utilizing money from various revolving funds and federal grants. Additionally, it permits the transfer of funds between different state revolving accounts to address urgent public health threats and meet future financing needs. Ultimately, the act ensures that available capital is allocated to support essential water and wastewater infrastructure improvements through the state's lending programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 28, 2026

S 4332: Concerns endangered plant species in NJ.

This bill updates New Jersey's laws regarding endangered plant species by clarifying definitions and expanding the state's ability to manage invasive plants. It directs the Department of Environmental Protection to create a list of endangered plants based on federal designations, rarity, or having five or fewer populations in the state, while explicitly excluding invasive species from this protection. The legislation also grants the department authority to control or remove invasive plants even if they grow near endangered species, provided such actions do not violate federal laws. These changes aim to balance the conservation of rare native flora with the prevention of environmental damage caused by aggressive non-native plants.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4382: The "Family and Private Burial Grounds Preservation Act."

This bill establishes the "Family and Private Burial Grounds Preservation Act" to regulate privately owned burial sites in New Jersey that are not operated by government or religious entities. It defines key terms such as family burial grounds, human remains, and burial objects to clarify what the law protects. The Department of Environmental Protection will oversee these sites and has the authority to manage grants, loans, and other funding for their preservation. The legislation aims to ensure the maintenance and integrity of these private cemeteries while allowing for their continued use by descendants and other relatives.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

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

A 4971: Prohibits DEP and other State agencies from adopting certain rules and regulations without Legislative approval.

This bill restricts the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and other state agencies from creating climate change rules that go beyond the specific scope authorized by the Global Warming Response Act. It explicitly prevents agencies from adopting regulations based on climate projections for areas like flood hazards and coastal permitting without legislative approval. The legislation aims to ensure that the Legislature, rather than unelected administrators, retains the final authority over major energy and environmental policy decisions.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Climate Change Coastal & Flood Protection

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4137: Establishes "Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program" and occupational heat stress standard in DOLWD.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to create a new program and standard aimed at preventing heat-related illnesses and injuries in the workplace. It requires employers to develop and maintain a prevention plan and mandates specific actions when environmental heat levels exceed safe limits for workers. The regulations will apply to all employees, including those in agriculture, construction, and indoor settings without climate control, with rules to be finalized by June 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Workforce Development Workplace Safety

All environment bills