Environment (Conservation) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 956: Requires DEP to establish "private wildlife habitat certification program"; creates affirmative defense against municipal nuisance ordinances for properties certified under the program.

This bill creates a state-certified program for private wildlife habitats in New Jersey. Property owners who establish habitats meeting DEP standards - using native plants and approved by certified entities like conservation groups or landscaping companies - can file a certificate with their municipality. Once filed, owners gain legal protection ("affirmative defense") against fines or penalties from local nuisance ordinances that might otherwise target natural habitat features. The certification lasts two years (with one renewal option) and requires inspections, with municipalities allowed to charge up to $25 for filing.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1300: "Flood Control, Mitigation, and Prevention Bond Act"; authorizes bonds for up to $2 billion and appropriates $5,000.

This bill authorizes New Jersey to issue up to $2 billion in state bonds to fund flood control, mitigation, and prevention infrastructure projects across the state. It directly affects all residents and businesses in flood-prone areas, particularly those in the Passaic River Basin, by financing structural projects like levees, dams, river channel improvements, and floodgate systems. The funds will cover construction, engineering, and related costs for projects identified in the Passaic River Basin Flood Advisory Commission's recommendations, excluding property buyouts or land preservation. The bonds require voter approval at a general election, with proceeds dedicated solely to flood infrastructure to reduce future damage and economic disruption.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3024: Changes certain allocations and amounts of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for Fiscal Year 2026 and thereafter; authorizes Garden State Preservation Trust and local governments to acquire lands in urban areas for agricultural or horticultural purposes.

S 3024 redirects state tax revenues for fiscal year 2026 and beyond to fund specific land preservation programs. It establishes a new "Preserve New Jersey Urban Agriculture and Horticulture Fund" that will receive 5% of dedicated funds annually (plus a $25 million one-time deposit) to help Garden State Preservation Trust and local governments acquire urban lands for farming or gardening. The bill changes allocation percentages from previous law, increasing funding for farmland preservation (26% vs. 31% under current law) and creating the dedicated urban fund. This directly affects local governments and the Garden State Preservation Trust, which must review annual funding allocations for conservation, farmland, and historic preservation programs. The policy focuses on supporting urban agricultural access through land acquisition, not new taxes or regulations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1683: Provides for no net loss of DEP lands for fishing, hunting, and trapping purposes.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to prevent any net loss of state park, forest, and wildlife area acreage available for public recreational fishing, hunting, and trapping. It mandates the department to inventory current access areas, replace any closed land with equivalent new acreage, and maintain accessibility except for safety, security, or environmental management reasons. The law applies directly to state lands managed by the department, ensuring recreational opportunities aren't reduced over time. The department must also submit annual reports detailing land access, closures, and replacement efforts to the legislature.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 658: Directs DEP to establish leasing program for State-owned land to be used and managed as pollinator habitat.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a leasing program allowing qualified entities - such as nonprofits, local governments, or individuals - to lease state-owned land for developing pollinator habitats. It requires the DEP, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, to establish rules for identifying suitable land and selecting applicants based on specific criteria. The program aims to create areas beneficial for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds through managed habitat development. The DEP must adopt these rules under state administrative procedures, and the bill takes immediate effect.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2415: Concerns calculation of municipal affordable housing obligations.

This bill amends New Jersey law to clarify how municipalities calculate their affordable housing obligations under the Fair Housing Act. It specifies that certain land types - such as conservation areas, small private parcels, historic sites, agricultural lands with restrictions, recreation areas, and environmentally sensitive lands - cannot be counted as "vacant" for housing purposes. Municipalities using this adjusted calculation for their affordable housing obligation will rely on it for the full 10-year compliance period, without needing to recalculate if new land becomes available. This provides certainty for municipalities in planning housing development and meeting their obligations.

Topics ✓ Environment ✗ Housing

Sub-Topics Conservation Affordable Housing Property Development

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2349: Allocates $7.5 million annually of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenue for preservation of land in Highlands Region.

This bill allocates $7.5 million annually from constitutionally dedicated tax revenue specifically for preserving land in New Jersey's Highlands Region. It creates a new "Preserve New Jersey Highlands Preservation Fund" managed by the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council. Funds will be used to acquire land for recreation/conservation, farmland preservation, and matching federal grants under the Highlands Conservation Act. The council must report annually on fund usage, including land preserved and federal matches secured.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Revenue Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 12, 2026

S 2161: Increases amounts of certain payments in lieu of taxes paid for lands owned by State or nonprofit organization for recreation and conservation purposes.

This bill (S 2161) increases compensation payments to New Jersey municipalities for lost property tax revenue when the State or qualifying nonprofit organizations own land for recreation or conservation. It raises annual payments for the first 13 years after land acquisition (starting at 100% of prior tax value and decreasing annually), then transitions to higher per-acre rates after year 13 based on the percentage of such land in the municipality (e.g., $3-$40 per acre depending on whether land constitutes less than 20%, 20-40%, 40-60%, or over 60% of the municipality’s total area). The payments, funded from the General Fund, replace previous formulas and apply to lands owned by the State, nonprofits, or the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. Municipalities directly affected are those with significant State or nonprofit-owned recreation/conservation lands.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Property Tax Revenue State Budget Conservation Parks & Recreation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1874: Establishes "New Farmers Improvement Grant Program" to provide matching grants for farm improvements to beginning farmers.

This bill establishes New Jersey's "New Farmers Improvement Grant Program" to provide matching grants for beginning farmers making specific farm improvements. Beginning farmers (defined as those with no prior farming experience, farming for 10 years or less in NJ, or qualifying under federal law) can apply for grants of $15,000-$50,000, covering up to 50% of project costs. Grants fund projects that diversify farming operations (like expanding crop types), implement sustainable practices (such as organic farming or water conservation), or create partnerships with food hubs. To qualify, applicants must operate a farm ≤150 acres, have $10,000+ in annual sales, and actively participate in farming.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1723: Requires forest stewardship plan for certain lands acquired for recreation and conservation purposes.

This bill requires forest stewardship plans for lands with 25+ acres of forest acquired using specific public funds (like Green Acres bonds or CBT moneys) for recreation or conservation. The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must create plans within two years for new forested acquisitions and for all existing state-owned forested lands (25+ acres) within five years of the law's enactment. Local governments and qualifying nonprofits using the same funding must also prepare plans within two years of acquisition, submit them to the DEP for approval within 30 days, and comply with DEP sustainability rules. The DEP must prioritize funding applications from entities that implement such plans on lands where plans aren't otherwise required.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry Parks & Recreation

All environment bills