This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to install and maintain standardized highway exit signs directing drivers to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. It specifically applies to drivers using EVs on Interstates and limited-access highways, as defined in the law. The signs must follow federal and state design standards outlined in the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices." The law takes effect immediately upon passage.
This bill creates the Office of Sustainability within New Jersey's Department of the Treasury. The office, led by a governor-appointed director, directly affects all state agencies and buildings by requiring them to implement environmental sustainability measures. Key provisions include developing energy efficiency initiatives, conducting mandatory energy audits every three years, and coordinating the procurement of eco-friendly products like renewable energy and recycled materials. The office must reduce carbon footprints, conserve water, and align with recognized green building standards across all state-owned facilities.
AR 53 is a New Jersey Assembly Resolution expressing opposition to the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Project, a proposed natural gas pipeline expansion. The bill directly affects New Jersey residents in Franklin Township (where the project would build a compressor station near an active quarry), local emergency responders, and the environment. Key provisions cite concerns including potential pipeline safety risks from aging infrastructure, lack of emergency preparedness plans, carcinogen emissions during operations, and environmental harm to Raritan Bay. The resolution urges the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to consider alternative energy projects that meet New York's needs without these risks. This is a non-binding resolution, not a law, intended to influence FERC's review of the project.
This bill establishes a pilot program in Union City, Trenton, and Camden to address open cockloft spaces between residential buildings. It appropriates $30 million to provide weatherization and fire safety improvements - specifically installing fire-rated separations and optional energy efficiency upgrades like insulation - free of charge to low- and moderate-income homeowners. Property owners not qualifying for free services may pay for the work through a 10-year property tax special assessment. The program directly affects residential building owners in these three cities, aiming to reduce energy costs, improve fire safety, and evaluate the effectiveness of weatherization measures in urban areas.
This is a symbolic resolution (AR 28) passed by the New Jersey Assembly, not a binding law. It urges the federal government to approve construction of oil and natural gas pipelines within the U.S., specifically referencing pipelines that were previously shut down or denied approval (like the Keystone XL Pipeline). The resolution states it seeks to advance U.S. energy independence, lower fuel costs, and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources from regions like Russia and Venezuela. It has no legal effect and does not change any existing pipeline approvals or regulations.
This bill creates a $100,000 grant program for New Jersey municipalities to promote local innovation achievements through street pole banners. Local governments must apply with specific plans for banners highlighting bioscience, telecommunications, clean energy, or other tech fields in their area. The state will select nine municipalities (three per region, with urban/suburban/rural representation) to receive grants for developing and installing these banners. Participating towns must report on banner installations and impacts within a year, and the state will compile results to assess potential statewide expansion.
This bill allows New Jersey municipalities to require that all new buildings be "solar ready" through local ordinances. It mandates that construction permit applications for new structures must include plans demonstrating solar-ready design elements, such as roof space and structural support for rooftop solar panels and, if applicable, solar water heating systems. The law defines "solar ready" as incorporating features that enable future installation of solar equipment without major modifications. It does not require immediate solar panel installation but ensures new buildings are prepared for solar adoption as needed.
This bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a rebate program for residents and businesses purchasing electric or battery-powered lawn equipment (like mowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers), replacing gas-powered alternatives. Rebates are calculated as 25% of the purchase price, capped at $50 for equipment under $250, $100 for $250-$500, and $150 for equipment over $500. Funding comes from the societal benefits charge, and the BPU must advertise rebates through existing channels like the Clean Energy Program. The program aims to reduce emissions by incentivizing cleaner equipment adoption across households and businesses.
New Jersey's A796 requires electric utilities to create special rate structures for large data centers (defined as facilities with at least 100 megawatts of monthly demand) to prevent these centers from raising costs for regular residential and business customers. Utilities must file these rate plans with the Board of Public Utilities within 180 days, ensuring non-data-center customers are protected from cost increases caused by data centers' high energy use while also encouraging energy efficiency through incentives like heat-capture technology. The Board of Public Utilities will review and approve these plans, and utilities must apply them to qualifying data centers one year after the law takes effect. The bill also mandates financial safeguards, such as requiring new data centers to commit to using at least 85% of their requested service for 10 years, to further shield ratepayers from unexpected cost spikes.
This bill provides tax credits to New Jersey businesses that install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for use in their operations. Businesses can claim a credit equal to 25% (up to $500), 15% (up to $300), or 8% (up to $150) of the cost for stations installed in 2014, 2015, or 2016, respectively. To qualify, businesses must obtain certification from the Environmental Protection Commissioner confirming the station meets technical standards for level 2 or level 3 charging. The credit applies against corporation business tax or gross income tax and requires proof of installation and station specifications.
