Environment

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

A 3756: Prohibits certain uses of perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene.

This bill prohibits all commercial uses of trichloroethylene (TCE) and bans consumer and commercial uses of perchloroethylene (PCE), while requiring facilities using PCE to implement worker exposure protections. It directs New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to adopt rules mirroring federal EPA regulations (effective December 2024) that address health risks linked to these chemicals, including cancer and organ damage. The rules will apply to industries using PCE in dry cleaning, adhesives, and brake cleaners, and TCE in industrial degreasers and cleaning products. Federal preemption under the Toxic Substances Control Act exempts certain uses. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans toxic chemicals (TCE/PCE) linked to cancer/organ damage, requires EPA-mirroring DEP rules to reduce environmental health risks and pollution.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires worker exposure protections for PCE, directly improving workplace safety standards for affected workers per bill summary.95% confidence

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

A 2032: Establishes "Electric Vehicle Battery Repurposing Fund" to support repurposing, remanufacturing, and recycling of electric vehicle batteries; dedicates amounts based on certain sales of electric vehicles.

This bill creates a dedicated "Electric Vehicle Battery Repurposing Fund" in New Jersey's General Fund, funded by $500 for every retail sale of an electric vehicle in the state during the prior fiscal year. The fund supports environmentally safe repurposing (using used batteries for stationary storage like home energy systems), remanufacturing (restoring batteries to original condition), and recycling of electric vehicle batteries. It directly affects electric vehicle owners through the sales-based funding mechanism and battery management companies implementing these processes. The bill requires the Division of Taxation to track EV sales to calculate annual fund contributions, with the fund's money exclusively used for these battery management activities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill imposes $500 EV sales fee to fund battery repurposing program, creating dedicated tax revenue for environmental initiative within state budget.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyCreates fund for EV battery recycling/reuse, supporting clean energy infrastructure and reducing waste from electric vehicles.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates fund for EV battery recycling/reuse, preventing waste and supporting clean energy transition through environmentally safe repurposing and recycling.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Electric Vehicles Energy Storage Recycling

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

A 1863: Requires State entities engaging in projects resulting in deforestation of any size to submit plan to DEP for no net loss of forested areas.

This New Jersey bill requires state entities (like state agencies and departments) to submit a reforestation plan to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for any tree removal project, eliminating the previous half-acre size limit. The plan must ensure "no net loss" of forested area by planting trees according to a specific Tree Replacement Factor (TRF), which calculates the required number based on the area cleared and tree size (e.g., 204 trees per acre for mature trees). Planting must follow a strict priority order: first on-site, then within the municipality, then within five miles, and finally off-site if needed, with requirements for native species, proper spacing, and diversity to reduce disease risk. If on-site reforestation isn't feasible, the state entity must pay into a fund managed by the DEP for reforestation.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires reforestation plans for all tree removal projects, enforcing 'no net loss' of forests via TRF calculations to protect forested areas.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

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

A 1054: Establishes "Energy Infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships Program"; amends law concerning NJ Infrastructure Bank; and authorizes certain energy contracts under "Public School Contracts Law" and "Local Public Contracts Law" up to 25 years.

This bill (A 1054) creates a new "Energy Infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships Program" to help public entities like schools, hospitals, and emergency facilities upgrade energy infrastructure through long-term partnerships with private companies. It directly affects these critical facilities by allowing them to enter 25-year energy contracts under existing public procurement laws, instead of shorter terms. Key mechanisms include extending contract durations for renewable energy projects (like solar and battery storage), requiring partnerships to improve grid resilience and reduce emissions, and leveraging private capital to avoid taxpayer costs. The program aims to modernize aging systems, support New Jersey’s decarbonization goals, and enhance reliability for essential services.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enables 25-year energy contracts for schools to upgrade infrastructure, directly improving school facilities per bill summary's explicit reference to public schools.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyCreates program enabling 25-year renewable energy contracts for public facilities, promoting infrastructure upgrades and private partnerships for clean energy projects.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enables 25-year renewable energy contracts for public facilities, promoting clean energy infrastructure upgrades per summary's mention of 'renewable energy projects'.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Resilience Energy Storage Solar Climate Change

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

A 1042: Requires owners or operators of public community water systems to perform certain tests for Legionella bacteria.

This bill requires owners or operators of public community water systems in New Jersey to regularly test drinking water for Legionella bacteria. Specifically, they must test a random sample of at least 0.1% of service lines every three months and a random sample of at least 1% of water system facilities (like storage tanks and treatment plants) each month. If Legionella levels exceed the standard set by the Department of Environmental Protection, the system must immediately notify affected customers and complete remediation within six months. All testing must follow DEP-approved best practices and be conducted by accredited labs, with results reported to the department.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates Legionella testing in water systems to prevent contamination, aligning with environmental protection standards for safe drinking water quality.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents Legionella outbreaks via water testing, a public health measure directly protecting community health and aligning with public health program goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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

AR 41: Urges President of U.S. and Congress to investigate environmental and labor risks of lithium-ion battery mining fields.

New Jersey's Assembly Resolution AR 41 is a non-binding request urging the U.S. President and Congress to investigate environmental and labor risks linked to lithium mining. It specifically highlights concerns about water scarcity and carbon emissions from mining in Australia, Chile, and Argentina, as well as child labor in cobalt mining (used in lithium batteries) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The resolution notes that the U.S. imports most of its lithium from Argentina and Chile and lithium-ion batteries from China, where these issues are prevalent. It does not create new laws but asks federal authorities to examine these impacts before the U.S. continues relying on these global supply chains.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill urges investigation into lithium mining risks for batteries, supporting sustainable renewable energy infrastructure development.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly calls for investigating environmental risks (water scarcity, carbon emissions) in lithium mining, aligning with protective intent.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Climate Change

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died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3097: Requires environmental sustainability plan for State House Complex.

This bill requires the State Capitol Joint Management Commission to create and implement an environmental sustainability plan for the New Jersey State House Complex. The plan must include specific measures like improving energy efficiency (using Energy Star products and alternative energy), water conservation, adopting green building standards, using sustainable food services (like locally sourced foods and compostable utensils), and reducing carbon emissions. The Commission must update the plan every four years, issue annual public progress reports online, and track performance metrics. This requirement directly affects all operations and management of the State House Complex, including maintenance, renovations, and contracting decisions.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates energy efficiency improvements and alternative energy use in state building operations, directly advancing sustainability goals per summary.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates energy efficiency, water conservation, green building standards, and carbon reduction measures for state complex, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Climate Change Conservation

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

A 2357: Creates Office of Sustainability.

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates energy efficiency initiatives, renewable energy procurement, and sustainability measures for state agencies, directly advancing clean energy adoption and infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates Office of Sustainability requiring energy efficiency, mandatory audits, and eco-friendly procurement - directly advancing environmental protection and sustainability measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy

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

A 3747: Revises requirements for certain greenhouse gas emissions monitoring and reporting activities.

This bill updates New Jersey's requirements for monitoring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. It requires fossil fuel companies (like refineries and pipelines), electricity generators (including imported power), gas utilities, and other major emitters to annually report emissions using a 20-year time horizon for calculations - replacing the previous 100-year standard. The Department of Environmental Protection must also use satellite technology for monitoring and establish interim targets to meet the state's 2030 and 2050 emissions reduction goals. These changes ensure more timely tracking of emissions progress toward New Jersey's climate targets.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires stricter emissions reporting from fossil fuel companies and utilities with shorter 20-year calculation horizon, advancing environmental regulation in energy sector.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentUpdates emissions reporting to 20-year horizon (vs. 100-year), mandates satellite monitoring, and sets interim targets - strengthening regulatory oversight for climate action.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 12, 2026

A 4021: Provides CBT and gross income tax credits for certain energy infrastructure upgrades.

This bill provides tax credits to electricity generators (companies operating power plants) who increase their energy output by at least 5% through qualifying infrastructure upgrades. Generators can claim credits covering up to 75% of upgrade costs or $5 million per company, whichever is lower, to offset Corporate Business Tax and gross income tax. To qualify, generators must apply for certification showing the 5% production increase, documenting specific upgrades like efficiency improvements, grid technology, or renewable energy integration. The total credits across all generators are capped at $100 million statewide, and unused credits may be carried forward for up to four tax years. The program requires documentation of actual energy production changes and prohibits double-counting with other tax benefits.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax credits to energy generators, reducing their tax burden and incentivizing infrastructure upgrades - direct tax relief under Budget & Taxes.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill provides tax credits for infrastructure upgrades increasing energy output (e.g., efficiency improvements), directly promoting energy infrastructure development and efficiency.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentTax credits for efficiency upgrades in energy infrastructure promote reduced emissions and resource conservation, aligning with environmental protection goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Tax Incentives Renewable Energy

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