Environment

passed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 3094: Establishes "pollinator-friendly" label for plants.

This bill would create a standardized "pollinator-friendly" label for plants sold in New Jersey, requiring the Environmental Protection Commissioner (with Agriculture Secretary) to establish specific standards. These standards must prohibit or limit pesticides harmful to pollinators and define "pollinator-friendly" plants as native, non-invasive species. Retailers and distributors could only use the label on plants meeting these standards, which cover bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. The bill does not ban pesticides but sets requirements for labeling to help consumers identify pollinator-safe plants. (Note: The bill is currently pending in committee and has not yet been enacted.)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates pesticide restrictions harming pollinators and requires native plant standards, directly protecting pollinators and strengthening environmental regulations per the topic description.95% confidence

Track

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

A 1851: Prohibits use of paper receipts containing bisphenol-A or bisphenol-S; provides for phased-in prohibition on use of all paper receipts; authorizes continued use of electronic receipts.

New Jersey's A 1851 prohibits retailers and service providers from using paper receipts containing bisphenol-A (BPA) or bisphenol-S (BPS) starting immediately, with a full phase-out of all paper receipts required within 13 months. The bill mandates that businesses switch to electronic receipts (via email or text) for all transactions, with violations subject to $250-$500 civil penalties per offense. It directly affects all retail and service businesses in New Jersey, aiming to eliminate exposure to toxic chemicals linked to health issues and reduce environmental harm from receipt production. The law focuses on concrete policy changes: banning specific chemicals, setting clear deadlines, and enabling digital alternatives.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans BPA/BPS chemicals in receipts, reducing chemical pollution and paper waste, directly advancing environmental protection through pollution control and conservation.92% confidence

Track

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

A 2766: Establishes deadline for DEP implementation of prescribed burn program, and provides for establishment of prescribed burn acreage goals, schedules, calendars, training program, and mobile deployment units to provide on-site prescribed burn training and assistance.

This New Jersey bill (A-2766) requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a prescribed burn program with specific deadlines, acreage goals, and training requirements. It directly affects landowners, lessees, and local fire officials who conduct controlled burns on private or public land to reduce wildfire risks. Key provisions include setting annual burn targets, creating mobile training units for on-site assistance, and mandating certification for burn operators through a DEP-approved program. The DEP must implement the full program within 18 months of the bill's passage. (Pending before the Assembly Agriculture Committee; not yet law.)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates DEP implementation of prescribed burn program with acreage goals and training to reduce wildfire risks, directly protecting ecosystems and preventing destructive fires per summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Public Lands

Track

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

A 4060: Limits speculative development of warehouses until 500,000 acres of farmland are preserved under farmland preservation programs.

This bill (A4060) prevents local governments from approving new warehouse construction on active farmland unless developers commit to preserving an equivalent amount of farmland. It requires that no "speculative" warehouse development (construction without a tenant or buyer) can proceed until the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) confirms 500,000 acres of farmland are preserved under state programs. Developers may still move forward by pledging to preserve farmland equal to the proposed warehouse site size. The bill expires once the SADC reports reaching the 500,000-acre preservation target, which currently stands at 248,009 acres as of January 2023.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates farmland preservation as condition for warehouse development, directly conserving natural resources and protecting agricultural land from development, aligning with environmental conservation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

Track

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

AR 40: Urges immediate moratorium on sonar testing and wind turbine mapping due to recent unexplained deaths of marine life off the coast of New Jersey.

This resolution urges New Jersey's state and federal agencies to pause sonar testing and wind turbine mapping near offshore wind projects. It cites NOAA data showing 12 whale deaths (including 8 humpbacks) and 5 dolphin deaths in February 2023 off New Jersey's coast - deaths occurring near active wind development sites. The resolution requests an immediate moratorium to allow scientific study of whether these activities interfere with marine mammals' navigation and communication. It specifically targets the Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The resolution does not create new law but calls for a pause while investigations continue.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill requests moratorium on sonar/wind mapping due to marine mammal deaths, citing NOAA data to protect marine life and study environmental impacts, aligning with conservation priorities.92% confidence

Track

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 3079: Establishes "Smart Stormwater Sensor Pilot Program" in DEP; appropriates $1 million.

This bill creates a three-year "Smart Stormwater Sensor Pilot Program" funded by a $1 million appropriation to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). It allows counties and municipalities to apply for grants to install smart sensors in storm drains and flood-prone infrastructure, which monitor real-time water levels and send flood alerts to residents and agencies. Local governments must submit detailed applications showing flood risk history and response plans before receiving grants. The DEP will report annually on the program's effectiveness, including sensor performance, geographic distribution, and recommendations for potential expansion.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $1M for DEP pilot program, funding essential infrastructure monitoring and public safety initiatives.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds real-time stormwater monitoring to prevent pollution and protect water resources through DEP's pilot program, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

Track

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

A 3658: Requires State entities to recycle certain materials and provide recycling bins in State buildings.

This bill requires all New Jersey state government buildings - including offices, agencies, and state universities - to separate and recycle specific materials like aluminum, cardboard, glass, paper, and plastic waste. State entities must provide recycling bins, signage, and education for both employees and the public, and arrange for collection and transportation of recyclables through licensed vendors. The rule does not apply to state parks or forests using a "carry-in, carry-out" trash program. The Department of the Treasury will create compliance guidance and coordinate with courts and the legislature to ensure all state branches follow the requirements.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates recycling of specific materials in state buildings, reducing landfill waste and conserving resources - directly aligns with environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

Track

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

A 4041: Establishes "Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling Task Force" to study ways to safely store, reuse, recycle, and dispose of used electric vehicle batteries.

New Jersey's Assembly Bill A4041 establishes a 11-member "Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling Task Force" within the Department of Environmental Protection. The task force will study safe methods for storing, reusing, recycling, and disposing of used EV batteries, including analyzing current recycling facilities, international policies, and second-life battery applications. It must develop recommendations for state legislation, programs, and infrastructure by a two-year deadline, holding public hearings across the state. The bill directly affects EV manufacturers, battery recyclers, state environmental agencies, and future EV battery management policies.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates task force to study EV battery recycling, advancing clean energy infrastructure and reducing waste from electric vehicles, directly supporting renewable energy transition.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates DEP task force to study safe EV battery recycling/disposal, preventing pollution and promoting resource conservation through waste reduction.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates EV battery recycling infrastructure task force, directly supporting sustainable transportation adoption and EV lifecycle management within transportation policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Energy Storage Recycling Electric Vehicles

Track

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

A 2556: Requires certain green building initiatives in plans for development or redevelopment of affordable housing planned for construction or substantial renovation.

This bill requires developers of certain affordable housing projects to meet specific green building standards. It applies to new inclusionary affordable housing developments and existing units undergoing major renovations, mandating compliance with Energy Star standards for construction and renovation. Key provisions include using LED lighting with occupancy sensors, requiring Energy Star-rated appliances, incorporating solar facilities where feasible (with a formal exemption process), and implementing features like EV charging stations and native landscaping. Developers must also test soil for contamination before new construction on inclusionary housing sites. These requirements aim to reduce energy use and environmental impact in affordable housing developments.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates Energy Star compliance, LED lighting with sensors, solar integration, and efficient appliances - directly advancing energy efficiency standards in housing development.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates Energy Star compliance, LED lighting, solar facilities, and efficient appliances - directly advancing environmental protection through building standards.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates green building standards for affordable housing developments, enhancing sustainability and long-term affordability without restricting access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Solar Affordable Housing Building Codes Property Development

Track

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

A 4034: Requires certain warehouses to obtain air pollution control permit from DEP.

This bill requires certain warehouses in New Jersey to obtain an air pollution control permit from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The permit requirement applies to warehouses identified under the new provision of the state's air pollution control law, which amends existing regulations to include these facilities. Warehouse operators would need to apply for and maintain this permit to comply with emissions standards. The bill directly affects warehouse owners and operators of covered facilities by adding a new regulatory requirement to their operations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates air pollution permits for warehouses, strengthening DEP oversight to control emissions under environmental regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality

Track