Environment in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3947: Requires water supply system testing and compliance with secondary drinking water regulations.

This bill requires public community water systems (like municipal water utilities) to test water quality quarterly for secondary drinking water standards, including sampling from at least 10% of customer taps. It mandates that water system operators submit test results to the state environmental agency, local municipalities, and customers annually and quarterly. If tests exceed standards, operators must create a compliance plan within 30 days to fix issues within 30 days (or sooner if needed for health risks), followed by a maintenance plan to prevent future violations. These rules aim to ensure ongoing water quality for communities served by public water systems.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3730: Requires DOT to erect and maintain certain electric vehicle charging station signs.

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.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles Roads & Highways

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3694: Establishes registration and training program for commercial applicators of substances for snow and ice removal.

New Jersey bill A3694 establishes a voluntary registration and training program for commercial applicators who remove snow or ice for hire using deicing substances. It requires these applicators to complete certified training on effective, water-quality-protective methods and register with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The program mandates record-keeping of application methods and amounts, annual reporting to DEP, and periodic refresher training. Registered applicators gain limited liability protection for snow/ice removal on private property when following trained methods, but this protection does not apply if they act recklessly or deviate from the training. The bill directly affects commercial snow/ice removal businesses and property owners who hire them, aiming to reduce water contamination from excessive deicer runoff.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3409: Requires certain warehouse operators to implement air pollution reduction and mitigation plans.

This bill requires large warehouse operators (over 100,000 sq ft with >50,000 sq ft of operations) to implement air pollution reduction plans starting 36 months after enactment. Operators must earn points during a 12-month compliance period through specific actions like purchasing zero-emission trucks, installing solar power, or funding air filtration near schools. The standard plan uses a traffic-based point system, while a custom plan allows tailored approaches with detailed emission reduction targets. The Department of Environmental Protection will develop the program and approved plans, with a phased point requirement increasing over time.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Solar Air Quality

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1563: Requires DEP to establish artificial reef plan for commercial and recreational fishing.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to develop a plan for two artificial reefs within state waters (within three nautical miles of the coast) within one year of enactment. The plan must consider fishing history and both commercial/recreational uses of the sites, while the DEP will also establish rules governing the number of fish and lobster pots allowed on these reefs. Currently, 17 artificial reefs exist off New Jersey's coast - only the two within state waters are directly affected by this bill, though the DEP may seek to extend similar management to 15 federal reef sites via the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. The law focuses on creating clear usage rules for existing reefs to balance fishing activities with conservation.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3919: Requires study of ocean energy potential; directs BPU to establish wave and tidal energy generation goals and take other action to establish NJ as nationwide leader in ocean energy.

This bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and Department of Environmental Protection to conduct a study on wave and tidal energy potential within 12 months of a pilot project. The study must evaluate environmental impacts, economic benefits, grid reliability, and potential incentive programs (like renewable energy credits) to support ocean energy development. It directs the BPU to establish goals for wave and tidal energy as part of the state's clean energy strategy, aiming to position New Jersey as a national leader. The findings will be reported to the Governor and Legislature within 15 months, with recommendations for future policy actions. This affects state energy planning and future development of ocean-based renewable energy infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Renewable Energy

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 3400: Directs EDA to establish New Jersey Energy Independence Bank.

This bill establishes the New Jersey Energy Independence Bank as an independent subsidiary of the Economic Development Authority (EDA), renaming the existing New Jersey Green Bank (created in 2024). It directs the bank to provide financing, loan guarantees, and other financial support for eligible environmental projects - including renewable energy facilities, energy efficiency upgrades, and electric vehicle infrastructure - primarily targeting municipalities, small businesses, and commercial entities (not direct residential lending). The bank must operate with a separate board of directors (with majority independence from the EDA) and maintain distinct financial records to ensure operational independence. The measure aims to leverage public funds to attract private investment in clean energy projects across New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Electric Vehicles

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2422: Establishes grant program in DEP to provide financial assistance to municipalities for infrastructure and other physical upgrades to certain municipally owned sanitary landfill facilities closed before June 1987; appropriates $10 million.

This bill establishes a $10 million grant program within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to help municipalities upgrade improperly closed sanitary landfills (those shut down before June 1, 1987, without proper closure). It directly affects municipalities owning such landfills by providing financial assistance for specific safety upgrades, including covers, methane monitoring systems, and leachate collection. The program requires municipalities to apply with project details, prioritizes projects with the greatest environmental and health impact, and mandates annual reports on fund usage. Grants cover only costs not offset by federal funding, aiming to meet state closure standards and reduce pollution risks from these aging sites.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Waste Management

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2407: Establishes alternative compliance payment to satisfy Class II renewable energy requirements.

This bill creates an alternative payment option for electric power suppliers to meet New Jersey's Class II renewable energy requirements. Instead of generating or purchasing renewable energy, suppliers can pay a set fee per megawatt-hour (MWh) to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. The payment amount is defined in the bill as a specific dollar figure per MWh, providing a financial compliance mechanism for utilities. This directly affects electric power suppliers who must meet renewable energy mandates under existing law. The bill does not change the renewable energy targets but offers a new compliance pathway.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2244: Bans carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, flame resistant chemicals, and volatile organic compounds from certain hair products.

This bill bans the intentional addition of carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, flame resistant chemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to synthetic hair products sold in New Jersey. It specifically targets products made from artificial fibers like polyester, nylon, or cellulose that mimic human hair. The law prohibits manufacturers, sellers, or distributors from offering such products in the state if they contain these substances, with violations punishable by fines up to $20,000 per offense. The bill defines prohibited chemicals using U.S. agency standards (like WHO and EPA classifications) to clarify compliance.

Topics ✓ Environment

All environment bills