Environment (Water Quality) 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 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 Feb 24, 2026

A 4454: Establishes abandoned mine reclamation program in DEP.

This bill creates a new Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to address safety and environmental risks from abandoned mines. The program requires the DEP to develop a detailed plan mapping all abandoned mines, identifying the most dangerous sites (like those threatening structures or water quality), and ranking reclamation projects by priority and cost. The DEP can implement reclamation through its own work, contracts with private firms, or grants to local governments or landowners, while seeking federal funding. Property owners must allow DEP access for reclamation work after notice (with accommodations for timing), but the bill explicitly prohibits requiring landowners to pay for these efforts. This directly affects residents living near abandoned mines and property owners in affected areas.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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

A 2463: Makes $100 million in federal funds available to DEP for grants to local governments for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects.

New Jersey's Bill A 2463 allocates $100 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for grants to local governments. The DEP must create a transparent grant program to fund drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects, with at least 10% reserved for projects targeting harmful algal blooms in Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood Lake. Grants must be distributed statewide, and the DEP must report all funded projects to the Governor and Legislature within three years, after which the program expires. This directly affects counties, municipalities, and regional entities needing water system upgrades.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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

A 2273: Establishes municipal water infrastructure planning and design project grant program in DEP; appropriates $100 million.

This bill establishes a $100 million grant program within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to fund municipal planning and design for water infrastructure projects. Municipalities can apply for grants covering up to $2 million per project to plan drinking water, stormwater, or wastewater system upgrades - without requiring matching funds - prioritizing projects in overburdened communities. The grants specifically cover the upfront planning phase (not construction), helping municipalities later access federal and state financing for actual infrastructure work. The DEP must report annually on the program's effectiveness and develop application guidelines for eligibility.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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

A 4035: Requires DEP to evaluate cumulative impact of stormwater when reviewing applications associated with warehouse and other high-density development projects.

This bill (A4035) requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to assess the cumulative stormwater impact of warehouse and high-density development projects during permit reviews. It directly affects developers seeking approval for such projects and the DEP, which must now evaluate how stormwater from these developments affects not just the applicant municipality but also neighboring municipalities and the broader watershed. Key provisions mandate the DEP to ensure stormwater management minimizes offsite runoff, protects stream channels, promotes groundwater recharge, and prevents increased pollution in the watershed. The law aims to address regional environmental impacts often overlooked in traditional permit reviews for large-scale developments.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Environmental Justice Water Quality

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

A 696: "Barnegat Bay Protection Act"; establishes Barnegat Bay Protection Fund, dedicates portion of sales tax on fertilizer, authorizes special license plates, and provides for donations.

This bill, the "Barnegat Bay Protection Act," would create a dedicated fund to protect Barnegat Bay by establishing three funding streams: a 1% tax on fertilizer sales, special "Protect Barnegat Bay" license plates (with a $50 application fee and $10 annual renewal), and voluntary donations collected during boat registrations, vessel renewals, and beach tag purchases. The fund, managed by the State Treasurer with input from the Environmental Protection Department, would finance watershed preservation and remediation projects, including public education campaigns. It directly affects residents and businesses in Ocean County (33 municipalities) and parts of Monmouth County (4 municipalities), where over 500,000 people live and visit. The bill focuses on generating ongoing revenue for bay restoration, not on new regulations or mandates.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Conservation Water Quality

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

A 3538: Directs BPU to establish two-year innovative drinking water supply and wastewater infrastructure grant program.

This bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a two-year grant program using funds from the societal benefits charge. It provides grants to individuals, businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions to develop innovative technologies for pilot projects at publicly-owned drinking water and wastewater systems. These projects must implement new technology (not routine upgrades) to improve water quality, flow, purification, conservation, energy efficiency, or infrastructure - specifically prioritizing renewable energy solutions like in-pipe hydropower. The BPU must evaluate proposals, coordinate with systems, and report annually on funded projects and their statewide potential. The program expires 25 months after enactment.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Hydroelectric Renewable Energy Conservation Drinking Water Water Quality

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

A 4380: Establishes Watershed Council in DEP.

This bill creates a 21-member Watershed Council within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The council, appointed by the Governor with input from environmental groups, will represent each of the state's 21 watershed areas and analyze flooding, water quality, and environmental programs. It must assess the DEP's watershed management effectiveness - including flood protection, stormwater runoff, and ecosystem preservation - and make recommendations. Within 12 months of its first meeting, the council will submit annual reports to the DEP commissioner, Governor, and Legislature with these findings and suggestions for improving water quality and resident safety.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Water Quality

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

A 165: Requires DEP to evaluate extending sewer service in Lake Hopatcong region; allows gross income tax deduction for septic system maintenance under certain circumstances.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to study within 90 days whether extending sewer service in the Lake Hopatcong watershed would significantly improve the lake's water quality. If the DEP determines sewer extension is not feasible or wouldn't improve water quality, homeowners in the designated watershed area become eligible for a tax deduction covering half the cost of septic system maintenance at their primary residence. To qualify, homeowners must submit receipts showing maintenance complied with DEP regulations, and the DEP must define the eligible geographic area and conduct public education about the deduction. The bill directly affects residents in the Lake Hopatcong watershed who rely on septic systems, offering a financial incentive to maintain them if sewer upgrades are not implemented.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Income Tax Water Quality

All environment bills