Environment (Drinking Water) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 15, 2026

S 4468: Requires DEP to establish maximum contaminant level for certain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water and establish private well testing program.

This bill directs the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to set specific safety limits for five types of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, in public drinking water. It mandates that these limits be established within 12 months and aligns them with federal standards, setting maximum contaminant levels ranging from 4.0 to 10 parts per trillion for specific chemicals. Additionally, the legislation requires the creation of a state-funded program to help private well owners test their water for PFAS contamination and provides financial assistance for remediation efforts. The bill also establishes a revolving fund to support these testing and cleanup activities and requires the department to submit annual reports on the program's progress and funding usage.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

passed both · New Jersey · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SCR 135: Approves FY2027 Financial Plan of NJ Infrastructure Bank.

This bill formally approves the Fiscal Year 2027 financial plan for the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank. The resolution authorizes the bank to proceed with funding loans and debt guarantees for eligible environmental projects, including clean water, drinking water, and stormwater management initiatives. By passing this measure, the Legislature ratifies the bank's budgetary strategy for the upcoming fiscal year as required by state law. The document does not alter the bank's operations but rather provides the necessary legislative consent for its planned financial activities.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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

ACR 151: Approves FY2027 Financial Plan of NJ Infrastructure Bank.

This bill approves the Fiscal Year 2027 financial plan for the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, a state agency that provides loans and debt guarantees for environmental projects. The resolution authorizes the bank to fund specific initiatives such as clean water, drinking water, stormwater management, and pollution control projects based on eligibility lists created by the Department of Environmental Protection. By passing this concurrent resolution, the Legislature formally validates the bank's budget and financing strategy for the upcoming fiscal year, allowing the agency to proceed with its authorized lending activities.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 5048: Prohibits sale, manufacture, and distribution of certain apparel and diaper products containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.*

This New Jersey bill prohibits the sale, manufacture, and distribution of apparel containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) starting two years after the law takes effect. The legislation defines 'apparel' broadly to include clothing, footwear, and outdoor gear, while explicitly excluding personal protective equipment and military uniforms. Violations of the ban will be treated as offenses under existing consumer protection laws, with penalties applied to sellers and manufacturers who distribute non-compliant products.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

signed · New Jersey · Senate Jul 8, 2026

S 4220: 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 legislation allows the bank to use funds from various existing trust accounts to finance the construction of facilities related to drinking water and wastewater treatment. Additionally, the bill outlines how the bank can increase its available loan amounts by including interest earned, fees, and other financial adjustments.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4125: Allows gross income tax deduction for amounts paid for removal of lead, asbestos, sodium, chloride, and other contaminants from taxpayer's property.

This New Jersey bill allows homeowners to deduct up to $45,000 from their gross income for costs associated with removing hazardous contaminants from their residential properties. The measure specifically covers expenses related to lead and asbestos abatement, replacing lead pipes and windows, and treating private well water contaminated with sodium or chloride. To claim the deduction, taxpayers must provide affidavits from their local municipality confirming that the work was performed by certified contractors. The provision applies to all income levels and includes a retroactive option for expenses incurred between January 1, 2018, and the bill's enactment, with the tax benefit set to expire on December 31, 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Income Tax Drinking Water

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 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

passed · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 4057: Exempts rugs and fabrics used in vehicles from provisions of "Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act."

This bill amends New Jersey's "Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act" to explicitly exempt rugs and fabrics intended solely for use inside vehicles from its regulations. The change clarifies that the law's definition of "carpet" does not cover interior vehicle materials such as those used in automobiles, vans, buses, aircraft, and light-duty trucks. By making this distinction, the legislation ensures that vehicle interior textiles are not subject to restrictions on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that apply to other floor coverings. This adjustment affects manufacturers and suppliers of automotive textiles by excluding them from the act's compliance requirements.

Topics ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3833: Requires public water systems to provide certain notice of boil water notices and violations of drinking water quality standards.

This bill requires public water systems in New Jersey to notify both local officials and customers when boil water notices are issued or lifted due to drinking water quality issues. Water providers must inform affected municipalities within one hour of learning about an emergency and notify customers within 24 hours using both phone and email, while also posting notices on their websites and social media. The legislation also mandates that water bills include a request for customers to specify their preferred contact method for future emergency notifications. These changes aim to improve communication speed and clarity during water quality emergencies, directly impacting public water system operators, municipal officials, and water customers across the state.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

All environment bills