Environment (Climate Change) in New Jersey

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

A 4022: Authorizes development to enhance energy production through solar panel orientation.

This bill amends New Jersey's master planning law to require municipalities to include a climate risk analysis in their land use plans. The analysis must evaluate threats from climate change, such as flooding, hurricanes, and sea-level rise, and propose strategies to reduce vulnerabilities. It applies to all land use plans adopted after the effective date of a prior law (P.L.2021, c.6), affecting local governments during their planning processes. The change aims to integrate climate resilience into community development decisions without specifying new energy infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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

A 3949: Directs BPU to adopt rules and regulations concerning small modular nuclear reactors; authorizes EDA to incentivize construction and operation of such reactors.

This bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create rules for small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), defined as reactors under 300 megawatts capacity requiring U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing. It authorizes the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to use 60% of funds from the Global Warming Solutions Fund to provide grants and financial incentives for the construction and operation of SMRs. The policy directly affects commercial entities building or operating these reactors, with funding prioritizing projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or energy demand. The bill establishes a concrete mechanism for state support of SMR development through EDA’s grant programs, without specifying project outcomes.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Nuclear Climate Change

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

A 1917: Establishes New Jersey Healthy Soils Program; establishes grant program for soil testing of urban agriculture sites; establishes Urban Agriculture Site Soil Testing Fund.

This bill creates New Jersey's Healthy Soils Program to improve soil health through practices like cover cropping, reduced tillage, and carbon sequestration. It specifically establishes a grant program for urban farmers and gardeners (including community gardens, rooftop farms, and backyard plots) to cover soil testing costs for contaminants like lead, arsenic, and petroleum. The Urban Agriculture Site Soil Testing Fund - financed by existing climate change funds and future appropriations - will pay for these tests and program administration. The program targets city and suburban growers to make soil health practices more widespread, with annual reporting on its effectiveness.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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

A 3733: "Emission Reduction Innovation Act"; authorizes gas public utilities to develop and implement plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This bill allows New Jersey gas public utilities to develop and submit "utility innovation plans" to the Board of Public Utilities, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plans must include specific technologies like biogas, carbon capture, renewable natural gas, hybrid energy systems, or deep energy retrofits, with measurable emissions reductions. Utilities can recover costs for approved initiatives through a defined cost recovery mechanism, including capital investments and research expenses. It directly affects gas utilities by enabling them to implement emission-reduction strategies while seeking financial recovery for qualifying projects.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Climate Change

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 24, 2026

A 4460: Authorizes EDA to provide grants from "Global Warming Solutions Fund" to finance replacement of inefficient agricultural irrigation equipment.

This bill authorizes the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to use funds from the "Global Warming Solutions Fund" to provide grants for farmers to replace inefficient irrigation equipment with energy-efficient alternatives. It directly affects agricultural entities in New Jersey, specifically targeting upgrades like drip irrigation systems, soil sensors, efficient pumps, and sprinkler heads. Key provisions require applicants to demonstrate that old equipment is permanently decommissioned and prioritize projects with measurable reductions in energy use or water waste. The grants are funded through a dedicated 60% allocation of the existing fund, as amended under P.L.2007, c.340.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Climate Change

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4379: Establishes State Agriculture Development Committee program preserving farmland in danger of being developed for warehouse purposes or other high-density development projects; appropriates $50 million from Global Warming Solutions Fund.

This bill creates a program to preserve farmland in New Jersey threatened by development for warehouses or high-density projects. It appropriates $50 million from the existing Global Warming Solutions Fund to allow the State Agriculture Development Committee to purchase land or development rights from landowners. Landowners selling to developers must notify the committee in writing, giving it the first right to buy the land at the offered price. The fund will be managed by the committee to prevent agricultural land from being converted to non-farm uses.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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

A 772: Requires HMFA to establish "Sustainable Tiny Home Pilot Program" in three regions of State; appropriates $5 million.

This bill proposes a 3-year pilot program through New Jersey's Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) to develop sustainable tiny homes under 300 square feet in three regions of the state (northern, central, and southern). It appropriates $5 million total ($1.65 million annually) to fund grants for builders constructing these homes, requiring compliance with green building standards and reporting on recycled construction waste. Participating municipalities must temporarily relax zoning rules to allow tiny home developments, with the goal of reducing carbon emissions (tiny homes produce ~93% less CO2 than standard homes) and construction waste. The program targets builders, eligible municipalities, and future residents of these affordable, eco-friendly housing units.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Climate Change Housing Finance Mortgages Zoning

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 5, 2026

A 4004: Establishes Division of Energy Resource and Development; transfers certain responsibilities from BPU to the Division of Energy Resource and Development.

This bill creates the Division of Energy Resource and Development within the Department of the Treasury, transferring key energy policy responsibilities from the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to the new division. It specifically moves BPU's energy efficiency programs, clean energy initiatives, electric vehicle incentives, and energy generation planning to the division. The division will focus on advancing New Jersey's clean energy goals through unified strategy development, public education on sustainable energy, and supporting state agencies in meeting greenhouse gas reduction targets. The division will be led by a governor-appointed director who will oversee the transition of BPU functions and develop crisis response plans for energy systems.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Climate Change

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SR 40: Urges Governor to impose moratorium on fossil fuel projects.

This Senate Resolution (SR 40) urges Governor Murphy to impose an immediate moratorium on new fossil fuel infrastructure projects (like pipelines and power plants) until the state adopts rules to meet its climate goals. It specifically requests this pause until regulations are in place to achieve an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2006 levels by 2050, as required by law. The resolution does not create new law but asks the Governor to halt such projects while the state develops a plan to transition to clean energy. It directly addresses the state's Energy Master Plan, which lacks provisions for existing and proposed fossil fuel projects. (Note: As a resolution, this is non-binding and only recommends action to the Governor.)

Topics ✗ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Climate Change

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 662: Establishes various programs in DEP concerning management of publicly owned forested land; appropriates $60 million.

This bill establishes a program for managing publicly owned forested lands across New Jersey. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to survey, map, and develop management plans for all state and local government-owned forested areas (minimum 0.5 acres with 10% canopy cover), including identifying cultural sites, wildfire risks, and areas for carbon sequestration. The bill creates "Carbon Reserve Forests" to protect mature forests, advance greenhouse gas reduction goals, and promote old-growth development, with management focused on ecological health rather than commercial use. It appropriates $60 million for these efforts and mandates public input through regional hearings. The program directly affects state/local land managers, indigenous communities (through cultural site protections), and climate initiatives.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Climate Change Conservation Forestry

All environment bills