This bill amends New Jersey's Municipal Land Use Law to explicitly classify certain energy storage projects as "inherently beneficial use." It directly affects municipalities (which handle land use approvals) and developers building energy storage projects eligible for the state's Energy Storage Program. The key mechanism changes the definition of "inherently beneficial use" to include projects receiving incentives from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities' energy storage programs, streamlining their approval process. This means qualifying energy storage facilities would no longer face standard development hurdles like zoning variances, as they'd be treated similarly to schools or hospitals under local land use rules. The change applies to projects under the Garden State Energy Storage Program or successor programs.
This bill (S 2303) proposes creating financial incentives administered by New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for two types of energy systems: district energy collaboratives (community-scale energy systems serving multiple buildings) and specific combined heat and power (CHP) facilities. It would allow the BPU to offer these incentives to encourage the development and operation of these energy-efficient systems, which generate both electricity and usable heat from a single fuel source. The bill amends existing energy law definitions to clarify these systems' eligibility for incentives. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Environment and Energy Committee.
This bill revises New Jersey's Dry Cell Battery Management Act to update rules for disposing of specific batteries. It defines "covered batteries" (including portable, medium-format, and rechargeable types) while excluding medical device batteries, lead acid batteries over 11 pounds, vehicle batteries, and recalled batteries. The law directly affects retailers, distributors, and institutions that handle large volumes of these batteries, requiring proper disposal under the updated framework. Key changes clarify definitions and exclusions to streamline battery management and reduce regulatory burden for excluded categories. The bill amends existing law and repeals two sections, but does not create new disposal requirements.
S 653 expands the contracting authority of New Jersey's local redevelopment authorities, enabling them to more flexibly finance and manage redevelopment projects. The bill allows these agencies to make loans for redevelopment work, issue bonds to fund renewable energy upgrades and C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) projects, and negotiate contracts above a bid threshold without public bidding. This directly affects redevelopment authorities, municipalities, and property owners involved in redevelopment initiatives. The key change streamlines project financing by reducing bidding requirements for certain contracts, aiming to accelerate redevelopment efforts.
New Jersey's Senate Resolution 42 requests that the U.S. Congress pass legislation creating legal remedies for people harmed by exposure to PFAS chemicals (commonly called "forever chemicals" found in water, food packaging, and consumer products) and fund research on their health effects. The resolution specifically references the proposed "PFAS Accountability Act of 2024" (S.3725) as the model for federal action. It directly affects individuals exposed to PFAS through contaminated drinking water or consumer products - especially in New Jersey, where over 20 water systems exceeded safety limits in 2022. The resolution does not create new law but urges Congress to establish a federal cause of action against PFAS manufacturers and support research on health impacts.
This bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a rebate program for residents and businesses purchasing zero-emission lawn equipment, such as electric mowers or leaf blowers. Rebates are calculated as 25% of the purchase price, capped at $50 for equipment under $250, $100 for $250-$500 models, and $150 for equipment over $500. The program will be funded using the societal benefits charge, and the BPU must advertise rebates similarly to existing clean energy incentives. The bill requires the BPU to consider environmental benefits of reducing gas-powered equipment use but does not mandate specific participation or outcomes.
New Jersey's S 3045 requires parking facilities with 100+ public spaces to set aside 5% of spots for hybrid, electric, and alternative fuel vehicles. These designated spaces must be the most accessible (but not closer than handicap spots), marked with green paint and signs reading "Hybrid and Alternatives Parking Only." Vehicle owners must obtain a state-issued window sticker meeting specific fuel efficiency standards (45 MPG initially, then 163% of federal CAFE standards) to legally use these spots, with violations punishable by up to $250 fines. The 10-year pilot program mandates annual review of eligible vehicles and requires the Motor Vehicle Commission to report on implementation to the Legislature.
This bill creates the New Jersey Wind Institute for Innovation and Training to support the state's offshore wind industry. The Institute will focus on workforce training, education, research, and innovation - prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion - to help New Jersey meet its goal of generating 7,500 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035. Governed by a nine-member board (including state agency heads and appointed public members with relevant expertise), the Institute will operate independently within the Department of the Treasury. It directly affects workers, educational institutions, and clean energy businesses in New Jersey by developing skills and resources for the growing offshore wind sector.
This bill requires all new residential buildings in New Jersey to install smart thermostats (defined as internet-connected devices, commonly called "wi-fi thermostats") in every residential unit. Builders must include these provisions in construction permit applications to be approved. The Commissioner of Community Affairs, with the Board of Public Utilities, will create energy efficiency standards for these thermostats through regulations. The requirement would take effect seven months after the bill becomes law. This directly affects new home construction projects and developers seeking building permits.
New Jersey's S 570 requires businesses selling lithium-ion battery electric vehicles to provide prospective buyers with a disclosure statement. The statement must explain that lithium is a scarce resource with environmentally impactful extraction methods and identify the specific source of lithium used in the vehicle's battery. Sellers must obtain a signed receipt from each buyer acknowledging receipt of this disclosure. Violations carry civil penalties of $150 for the first offense and $300 for subsequent violations, enforceable through summary proceedings. This law directly affects all EV dealers in New Jersey and aims to inform consumers about battery sourcing and environmental considerations.
