Environment in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 676: Requires filtration system to capture microfibers and microplastics on washing machines sold on or after January 1, 2030.

New Jersey's S 676 requires all new residential, commercial, and state-use washing machines sold on or after January 1, 2030, to include a built-in microfiber filtration system with a mesh size of 100 micrometers or smaller. The bill mandates that these machines display a visible label stating: "NOTICE: THIS WASHING MACHINE CONTAINS A FILTER TO CAPTURE MICROFIBERS. CHECK THE FILTER REGULARLY AND DISPOSE OF CAPTURED LINT IN A WASTE BIN." Sellers violating this requirement face civil penalties of up to $10,000 for the first offense and $30,000 for subsequent violations. The law aims to reduce microplastic pollution by capturing microfibers released during laundry cycles before they enter wastewater systems.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 649: Establishes new position of Clean Energy Advocate in BPU to facilitate coordination and cooperation among various State agencies in association with implementation of interagency clean energy projects.

S 649 creates a new Clean Energy Advocate position within New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to coordinate clean energy projects involving multiple state agencies. The Advocate will serve as a central liaison to resolve disputes, improve communication, and streamline project implementation between agencies working on clean energy initiatives. The position requires specific qualifications in clean energy policy and mandates annual public reports detailing project status and unresolved issues. This change directly affects all state agencies involved in interagency clean energy projects by enhancing coordination to meet New Jersey's de-carbonization goals.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1424: Clarifies procedures for maintenance of underground storage tanks.

This bill requires owners and operators of underground storage tanks (like those at gas stations) to follow specific safety and maintenance procedures. It mandates regular testing based on tank age, stored materials, and nearby water sources; requires adherence to EPA safety standards (with stricter rules near protected water areas); and demands 24-hour leak reporting to authorities. Owners must designate a responsible person for compliance and corrective actions, and face triple damages if leaks aren’t fixed within 14 days. The law directly affects businesses using underground tanks and strengthens environmental protection through clearer enforcement.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 627: Codifies certain energy goals related to 2019 Energy Master Plan.

S 627 codifies New Jersey’s 2019 Energy Master Plan goals into law, setting binding targets for 2025-2035. It requires state agencies (like the Department of Treasury and NJ Transit) to adopt electric vehicle fleets (50% by 2025), mandates 35% renewable electricity by 2025 (rising to 50% by 2030), and sets offshore wind generation goals (3.5 GW by 2030, 7.5 GW by 2035). Commercial buildings over 25,000 square feet must track energy/water use annually using EPA tools, and state agencies must report to the Legislature on progress via annual DEP reports. These requirements directly affect state agencies, utilities, the Port Authority, and large commercial building owners.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Renewable Energy Wind Electric Vehicles Ports

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 609: Establishes Statewide targets to reduce disposal of organic waste in landfills; requires DEP to adopt regulations to achieve targets.

This bill sets statewide targets to reduce organic waste sent to landfills: a 50% reduction from 2016 levels by 2027 and a 75% reduction by 2032. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create regulations within 18 months to achieve these goals, which may mandate local governments to set waste-reduction rules for businesses and impose reasonable penalties for noncompliance. The regulations must also ensure at least 20% of recoverable edible food is redirected from disposal by 2035. Local governments may charge fees to cover costs of implementing these rules, and the DEP must report progress by July 2027.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SCR 37: Proposes constitutional amendment to preserve right of people to fish, hunt, trap and harvest fish and wildlife.

SCR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment to protect New Jersey residents' right to fish, hunt, trap, and harvest wildlife as part of the state's heritage. It would require state wildlife management laws to ensure traditional methods remain available for species historically pursued by these groups. The amendment mandates that managing fish and wildlife must prioritize this access while balancing conservation for future generations. It also specifies that traditional hunting/fishing must be the preferred method for controlling invasive or overpopulated species.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 1206: Establishes "New Jersey Small Business Indoor Air Quality Management Support Program."

This bill establishes a state loan program to help New Jersey small businesses improve indoor air quality. It directly affects businesses with 100 or fewer full-time employees by providing low-cost loans for equipment, employee training, and new positions related to air quality management. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority will administer the program, requiring businesses to use certified contractors for air quality work and pass annual EPA-based inspections to earn a state certification. Loans will carry interest rates set by the authority, with businesses needing to maintain financial records to retain funding.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Air Quality Tags Small Business

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 737: Exempts small-scale renewable energy projects from State land-use permit requirements, under certain conditions.

This bill (S 737) exempts small-scale renewable energy projects (under 20 megawatts) from all New Jersey state land-use permit requirements, such as wetlands, coastal, and flood zone regulations. Instead, project owners must seek approval only from their local government unit (e.g., township or municipality) and their utility company, provided the project meets state construction standards. If an applicant applies directly to a state agency, they forfeit the option to use local approval only. The bill applies to owners/operators of solar, wind, geothermal, or small-scale biomass projects seeking to build or expand facilities.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

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

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 621: Requires school districts to include environmental sustainability plan in long-range facilities plan.

S 621 requires New Jersey school districts to include environmental sustainability goals in their long-range facilities plans, which must be updated at least every five years. This amendment to existing law (P.L.2000, c.72) mandates that districts submit these plans to the commissioner for approval, ensuring sustainability is integrated into school infrastructure planning. The bill directly affects all public school districts in New Jersey, requiring them to address environmental goals alongside enrollment, safety, and facility needs. It does not specify particular sustainability measures but establishes a recurring planning requirement for district facilities management.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1771: Directs DCA to establish grant programs for public water systems.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to create two grant programs using federal infrastructure funds. It specifically targets small public water systems (under 500 service connections) to fund operational improvements like leak detection, asset mapping, and infrastructure upgrades, and to establish data-sharing systems for water quality and cybersecurity information. Grant recipients must use funds for concrete projects such as developing asset inventories, deploying leak detection technology, or building data hubs for sharing water system data. The DCA must publish application rules within six months and submit annual reports detailing all funded projects to the Governor and Legislature within three years.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

All environment bills