Environment in New Jersey

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 ✓ Environment

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 & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Appropriations Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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

AR 94: Supports President Trump declaring national energy emergency and executive order expediting energy projects.

This New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 94) expresses support for President Trump's declaration of a national energy emergency and his executive order aimed at expediting energy infrastructure projects. It does not create new laws but formally endorses efforts to streamline permitting for pipelines, refineries, and other energy projects to improve grid reliability and reduce energy costs. The resolution highlights concerns about grid strain, high energy prices, and the need for critical minerals to support energy infrastructure development. It will be sent to federal officials as a statement of legislative backing for these policy approaches.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Pipeline Infrastructure

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 ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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 ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Energy Storage Recycling Electric Vehicles

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

A 1254: Prohibits adoption of any State rule or regulation mandating electric heating or water heating systems in buildings prior to issuance of DCA report.

This bill prohibits New Jersey state agencies (like the Department of Community Affairs, Environmental Protection, and the Board of Public Utilities) from requiring buildings to use electric heating or water heating systems as the sole or primary method until a specific report is issued. It directly affects building owners, developers, and utilities by delaying mandatory electric system requirements, though it does not stop voluntary adoption or private use of electric systems. The key mechanism requires the Department of Community Affairs to hold six public hearings across the state within 18 months (covering costs, environmental impacts, and worker effects) and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within 24 months. After the report is published, the prohibition on mandates expires, allowing agencies to proceed with rules based on the findings.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

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 ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Housing

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

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 ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Air Quality

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 2760: Exempts small-scale renewable energy projects from State land-use permit requirements, under certain conditions.

New Jersey's bill A2760 would allow owners of small renewable energy projects (under 20 megawatts, such as rooftop solar or small wind systems) to seek approval only from local governments instead of state agencies for land use. This exempts projects from state permitting requirements under laws covering wetlands, coastal zones, flood areas, and other protected lands, provided they pass local inspections and get utility approval. Projects must still follow the State Uniform Construction Code for safety. The bill requires applicants to choose between local or state permitting upfront, waiving local approval if they first apply to a state agency.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Coastal & Flood Protection Public Lands

All environment bills