Environment in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2061: Establishes registration and training program for commercial applicators of substances for snow and ice removal.

This New Jersey bill (S 2061) creates a voluntary training and registration program for commercial businesses that apply snow/ice removal substances (like salt or chemicals) for hire on private property. It requires these "commercial applicators" to complete certified training on effective, water-quality-protective methods, pass an exam, and register with the Environmental Protection Department. Registered applicators gain limited liability protection for snow/ice removal work if they follow the training methods, while non-registered or non-compliant applicators face liability. The program also mandates record-keeping of application methods and amounts, annual reporting to the department, and public posting of registered providers and applicators.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SR 31: Commemorates 75th anniversary of Sport Fish Restoration Program.

SR 31 is a New Jersey Senate Resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the federal Sport Fish Restoration Program (established by the Dingell-Johnson Act of 1950). It does not create new law or allocate funds; instead, it formally recognizes the program’s role in funding conservation efforts through excise taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat fuels. The resolution specifically highlights New Jersey’s benefits from the program, including improved habitats for species like striped bass and support for recreational fishing. It directs copies to New Jersey’s Division of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1635: Requires outdoor lighting fixtures installed or replaced by, or on behalf of State, or at projects receiving State funds, to meet certain criteria.

This New Jersey bill requires state agencies and projects funded by the state to install or replace outdoor lighting fixtures that reduce light pollution and conserve energy. It mandates fully shielded fixtures, limits color temperature to 2,700 Kelvin (with limited exceptions), requires motion sensors, and prohibits excessive upward light emission. Exceptions apply for emergencies, temporary work, safety needs, or high-security areas. The goal is to minimize glare, light trespass, and energy waste while preserving natural nighttime conditions.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 654: Establishes conditions for net metering for authorized food waste recycling facilities.

This bill requires electric power suppliers to offer net metering to authorized food waste recycling facilities for electricity they generate using Class I renewable energy. It directly affects facilities defined as Class C recycling centers authorized to handle food waste under state law. Key provisions include crediting facilities for excess electricity generated (with annual rollover), and offering two compensation options: payment for remaining credits or real-time billing at a set rate ($0.03/kWh above residential tariff). The bill clarifies these facilities won't be considered public utilities when selling excess power to end-use customers within their service area.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Renewable Energy Solar Recycling Waste Management

passed · New Jersey · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SR 18: Urges states in PJM Interconnection region to require data centers to obtain electricity from new zero- or low-emission sources of energy.

SR 18 is a non-binding Senate resolution urging states within the PJM Interconnection region (including New Jersey and 12 other states plus D.C.) to require data centers to source electricity from new zero- or low-emission energy sources. It does not create new regulations but calls on state governments to adopt policies addressing data centers' growing energy demands, which currently consume about 4% of U.S. electricity and are projected to reach 9% by 2030. The resolution cites concerns about grid strain, noting data centers use 10-50x more energy than typical offices and could double demand by 2030. It emphasizes clean energy sources like solar and wind as scalable solutions to support grid reliability and climate goals.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Solar Transmission

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 935: Establishes Forest Fire Preparedness Commission in DEP.

New Jersey's S 935 establishes a 20-member Forest Fire Preparedness Commission within the Department of Environmental Protection. The commission includes state officials (like the Environmental Protection Commissioner and State Firewarden), fire service representatives, and appointed members from firefighting organizations, environmental groups, and the public. Its key duties are to audit the state's wildfire response readiness, develop a coordination roadmap for emergency responders (firefighters, police, medical teams), and create standardized communication systems for wildfire incidents. The commission must submit a final report within two years, after which it will dissolve. This bill directly affects state and local emergency response systems and aims to improve coordinated wildfire prevention and response across New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Forestry Natural Disasters

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1216: Requires DOT to prioritize green stormwater infrastructure in design, construction, reconstruction, and repair of public highways.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to prioritize green stormwater infrastructure - such as pervious pavement, bio-retention basins, and grass swales - in the design, construction, reconstruction, and repair of public highways funded by the Special Transportation Fund. It mandates DOT to establish a program that uses these methods to reduce stormwater runoff by treating water through vegetation or soil, where practical. The law applies specifically to highway projects using funds from the designated transportation budget and takes effect immediately. It does not change funding levels but directs how existing funds must be allocated for stormwater management.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Water Quality Roads & Highways

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2946: Prohibits sale of cosmetic products and personal care products containing 1,4-dioxane.

S 2946 bans the sale of cosmetic and personal care products containing 1,4-dioxane - a chemical linked to cancer - in New Jersey, affecting manufacturers and retailers of these items. It sets strict limits: 10 parts per million for cosmetics and 2 parts per million for personal care products (reducing to 1 ppm after two years), with trace amounts allowed only if approved by the environmental agency. Manufacturers can request a one-year waiver if they’re actively reducing 1,4-dioxane but can’t meet the limits immediately, with a possible second year. The environmental agency must review these limits after three years to assess if lower levels are needed for health protection.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1163: Makes $500,000 supplemental appropriation from General Fund to DEP for dredging and restoration of Passaic River.

This bill appropriates $500,000 from New Jersey's General Fund to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the Township of Fairfield in Essex County. The funds are specifically allocated to the Township's Passaic River Dredging and Restoration Project, directly affecting this municipality. Key provisions require the township to submit a project plan to DEP and waive permit fees for activities like dredging, cleaning, and restoration consistent with existing state permits. The project must align with the Statewide General Permit for Passaic River restoration, as outlined in the municipality's submitted plan.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2820: Requires air monitoring at certain construction projects.

This bill requires construction permit applicants in New Jersey to either certify that their project involves minimal soil disturbance or submit an air monitoring plan for hazardous air pollutants and particulates. It directly affects developers and contractors seeking construction permits under the State Uniform Construction Code Act. Key mechanisms include mandatory daily air testing for regulated pollutants (like PM10 particles or those contaminated with heavy metals), immediate work stoppage if pollution exceeds DEP-set standards, and a requirement for remediation before resuming work. The Department of Environmental Protection must establish specific monitoring rules within 18 months, including concentration limits and plan requirements.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Air Quality

All environment bills