Environment in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1743: Establishes minimum acreage goal and schedule for prescribed burns in pinelands area and Statewide.

This bill (S 1743) requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to ensure annual prescribed burns meet specific minimum acreage targets in the Pinelands region and statewide. It sets increasing annual goals: starting at 25,000 acres in the Pinelands plus 10,000 statewide in year one, rising to 50,000 acres in the Pinelands and 20,000 statewide by year six. Burns must occur between November and March (before wildfire season) and can be conducted by state agencies, federal partners, or approved landowners under existing law. The bill mandates all relevant state agencies integrate these requirements into environmental and land management plans.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Forestry Public Lands

died · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 749: Amends lists of environmental infrastructure projects approved for long-term funding by DEP under FY2026 environmental infrastructure funding program.

S 749 is a procedural bill that would have amended the list of environmental infrastructure projects approved for long-term funding under New Jersey's FY2026 environmental infrastructure program. It detailed how funds from multiple state revolving funds (like the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund) would be allocated to support clean water and drinking water projects, aligning with federal requirements under the Clean Water Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, because it was superseded by an already-enacted bill (P.L.2025, c.182), meaning it did not become law. It directly affected the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) by modifying funding mechanisms for environmental infrastructure projects.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 647: Directs BPU to conduct study to determine feasibility of use of large-scale geothermal heat pump systems in State.

This bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study the feasibility of large-scale geothermal heat pump systems, which use underground temperatures to heat and cool buildings. The BPU must assess installation challenges, consult with the U.S. Department of Energy, other states, and experts, and evaluate costs, savings for ratepayers and utilities, and potential financial incentives. Within one year, the BPU must submit a report with findings and recommendations for a possible pilot program. This study affects state agencies, utilities, and future ratepayers by examining a potential clean energy option for building climate control.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2285: Requires certain warehouse operators to implement air pollution reduction and mitigation plans.

New Jersey's S 2285 requires large warehouse operators (those with over 50,000 sq. ft. of operations in facilities exceeding 100,000 sq. ft.) to reduce air pollution from their truck traffic and operations. Starting 36 months after the law takes effect, these operators must implement a department-approved plan earning "air pollution reduction points" through specific actions like purchasing zero-emission trucks, installing solar power, or funding air filtration systems near schools. Points are calculated based on previous truck traffic, with a phased approach where the required points decrease in the first four years. Operators can use a standard plan template or create a custom plan, with an option to pay $1,000 annually into an electric vehicle fund instead of meeting points. The Department of Environmental Protection must develop the program rules within 24 months.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Solar Air Quality Electric Vehicles

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 619: Establishes certain State goals for sale of zero-emission medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks, and certain off-road vehicles and equipment.

This New Jersey bill establishes state goals for zero-emission vehicle sales: by 2045, all new medium- and heavy-duty trucks (over 8,500 pounds) sold or leased in the state must be zero-emission, and by 2035, all off-road equipment (like construction vehicles) must be zero-emission where feasible. The Department of Environmental Protection must create regulations, report annually on progress, and develop strategies to make zero-emission vehicles accessible to all residents. The bill defines "zero-emission vehicle" as meeting California Air Resources Board standards (excluding partial zero-emission models) and specifies vehicle categories based on weight. It directly affects vehicle manufacturers, dealers, and equipment providers operating in New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Roads & Highways

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 1501: Requires municipal governing body to consider preservation of certain open space proposed for development.

Bill S 1501 requires New Jersey municipalities to pause development reviews for projects on 20 or more contiguous acres to consider preserving the land for recreation or conservation. Municipalities must hold a public hearing within 45 days and decide whether to pursue purchasing the property under existing conservation laws. If they choose preservation, the development application may be denied; if not, the review process resumes. This directly affects developers seeking large-scale projects and gives residents a formal role in land use decisions.

Topics ✓ Environment ✗ Housing

Sub-Topics Conservation Land Use Property Development

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 2924: "Liberty State Park Protection Act"; establishes requirements concerning DEP actions related to Liberty State Park.*

This bill establishes the Liberty State Park Advisory Committee to review proposed changes to Liberty State Park and prohibits the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from commercializing or transferring property rights in two specific protected areas: a 215-acre interior natural/recreation zone and a 21.5-acre Caven Point Peninsula wildlife habitat. It directly affects the DEP, future concessionaires, and the public by ensuring no privatization or development occurs in these designated zones without committee review. The law requires the DEP to consult the committee before approving any concessions or property transfers within the park, reinforcing the park’s status as a free public space. The bill aims to protect the park’s 1,200-acre natural and cultural resource, visited by over six million people annually.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Parks & Recreation Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3055: Requires financial institution that has foreclosed on property to remove water service lines that contain lead.

This bill requires financial institutions (like banks) that foreclose on properties to remove all lead water pipes on those properties, unless the pipes are owned by the utility company. It applies to all foreclosed properties after the bill takes effect, directly affecting lenders who sell or transfer such properties. The key provision mandates removal of lead pipes - excluding utility-owned lines - to prevent ongoing lead exposure, which is a significant health risk, especially for children. The bill aims to address lead contamination in water by holding financial institutions accountable for property maintenance post-foreclosure.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

died · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 471: Revises Fish and Game Council membership.

S 471 revises the membership composition of New Jersey's Fish and Game Council, which advises on fish and wildlife conservation. It replaces three of the six current "sportsmen" representative seats with three seats for individuals recommended by animal welfare organizations (defined as 501(c)(3) groups focused on animal protection). The council will maintain its 11-member structure, with the remaining categories unchanged: three farmer representatives, one Endangered Species Committee chair, and one land-use expert. This change shifts representation to include animal welfare advocates alongside sportsmen. The bill does not alter the council's size, term lengths, or county-based representation rules.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

All environment bills