Energy (Pipeline Infrastructure)

This bill establishes a program through New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to procure new natural gas power plants capable of generating at least 1,100 megawatts. It requires developers to submit detailed proposals - including permitting plans, cost analyses, financing structures, and proposed rates - to the BPU within 90 days of a request for interest. The program introduces "natural gas energy certificates" (NGECs) to represent energy supply and reliability, with cost-sharing mechanisms for construction overruns under 20% of estimates. It directly affects natural gas plant developers seeking approval, ratepayers who may see cost impacts on bills, and the state's electricity infrastructure planning.

This New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 99) urges the U.S. Congress and President to increase domestic energy production and reduce regulatory barriers to oil and gas development. It specifically references high gasoline prices (over $4/gallon), the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on global energy markets, and the need to reduce reliance on imports from Russia, the Middle East, and Venezuela. The resolution cites a 2022 letter from 25 governors requesting actions like removing federal land development bans, streamlining permitting, and reapproving the Keystone XL Pipeline. It does not create new laws but formally requests federal action to enhance energy independence and lower consumer energy costs.

This New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 94) expresses support for President Trump's declaration of a national energy emergency and his executive order aimed at expediting energy infrastructure projects. It does not create new laws but formally endorses efforts to streamline permitting for pipelines, refineries, and other energy projects to improve grid reliability and reduce energy costs. The resolution highlights concerns about grid strain, high energy prices, and the need for critical minerals to support energy infrastructure development. It will be sent to federal officials as a statement of legislative backing for these policy approaches.

This bill amends New Jersey's "90-Day Law" to exclude pipeline construction permits for natural gas and petroleum products, along with related infrastructure like compressor stations, from automatic approval if the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) doesn't act within 90 days. Currently, most construction permits (e.g., for waterfront development or coastal wetlands) automatically become approved after 90 days without a DEP decision, but this bill removes pipeline projects from that rule. Pipeline developers must now wait for an explicit DEP decision within the 90-day window instead of relying on automatic approval. The change applies only to pipeline permits and does not affect other types of permits covered by the 90-Day Law.

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 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.