Environment in New Jersey

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 · 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

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

A 4969: Provides for automatic approval of air pollution control permits after 90-day review period.

This New Jersey bill streamlines the permitting process for air pollution control by automatically approving applications that have not been acted upon within 90 days. It directly affects industrial facilities and equipment operators seeking to build, modify, or operate machinery that emits air contaminants. The legislation requires applicants to document how their equipment uses advanced pollution control technologies, with specific standards depending on the type and volume of emissions. Additionally, the bill allows the state department to offer a 15-year emissions reduction plan as an alternative to strict permit schedules, provided the facility meets regular milestone targets.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Air Quality Climate Change

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

A 5192: Authorizes NJ Infrastructure Bank to expend certain sums to make loans for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2027.

This bill authorizes the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to lend up to $3.85 billion to local governments and public water utilities for environmental infrastructure projects in fiscal year 2027. The funds are intended to help pay for the construction of facilities that manage water supply, wastewater treatment, and other environmental systems. Additionally, the legislation allows the bank to increase its lending capacity by including interest earned, administrative fees, and money transferred from specific state trust funds. These loans will be jointly managed by the Infrastructure Bank and the Department of Environmental Protection to ensure projects meet federal and state standards.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4140: Establishes a pilot program for State flood monitoring and rainfall sensing; appropriates $2 million.

This bill creates a two-year pilot program to improve flood monitoring and rainfall sensing across New Jersey, primarily benefiting municipalities in flood-prone areas. The Department of Environmental Protection will partner with the Davidson Laboratory at Stevens Institute of Technology to install sensors in 30 selected locations and analyze flood risks in the northern, central, and southern regions. The legislation appropriates $2 million to fund the project, with at least $1.5 million allocated for research and administrative support. At the end of the pilot, officials must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature detailing the program's results and recommending whether to make it permanent.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 4824: Concerning the use of glyphosate.

This New Jersey bill prohibits the use of glyphosate herbicide on all state and county-owned properties. It allows for limited exceptions, such as when there is no risk of human exposure and no other practical alternatives exist, or when the herbicide is needed to maintain critical infrastructure, ensure public safety, manage habitats, control invasive species, or support specific research. To enforce this rule, the Department of Environmental Protection must create regulations outlining permitted uses and maintain a public online record of any glyphosate applications that occur under these exceptions.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 4879: Increases cap on grants for farmland stewardship activities to $100,000 per application.

This bill increases the maximum grant amount available to New Jersey farmers for farmland stewardship activities from $20,000 to $100,000 per application. The legislation directly affects farmers who manage land preserved for agricultural use and wish to undertake projects like installing deer fencing or implementing soil conservation measures. By raising the funding cap, the bill allows for larger-scale improvements to preserved farmland without changing the existing rules on how grants are distributed per acre. This change aims to address rising costs associated with maintaining and restoring farmland while keeping the program's overall structure intact.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 4, 2026

SCR 131: Memorializes President and United States Congress to enact legislation that would eliminate preferential federal tax treatment for oil and natural gas companies.

This New Jersey Senate concurrent resolution asks the President and Congress to remove special federal tax breaks currently given to oil and natural gas companies. The bill specifically targets provisions like expanded deductions for drilling costs, lower royalty rates, and increased carbon capture credits that were added in a recent federal act. By requesting the elimination of these incentives, the resolution aims to stop the estimated $15 to $30 billion in annual federal subsidies provided to highly profitable energy firms. The measure does not directly change state laws or impose new penalties but serves as a formal request for federal legislative action to create a more equitable tax system.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✗ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 4811: Exempts certain water quality management structures, funded by certain federal and State grants, from real property taxation.

This bill exempts specific water quality management structures from real property taxes if they are funded by federal or state grants. It directly affects property owners who have installed these structures, such as those built with money from the USDA or the State Agriculture Development Committee, to improve water quality. To qualify, the enforcing agency in the local municipality must certify the structure, a process that includes inspections and the submission of written applications. The exemption reduces the taxable value of the property by the amount attributed to the structure, and the agency retains the power to revoke the status if the structure is misused, abandoned, or obtained through fraud.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Property Tax Water Quality

All environment bills