Environment in New Jersey

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

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1256: Prohibits planting of non-native species in landscaping at State parks and forests; establishes grant program to support use of native plants at local parks and forests; appropriates $250,000.

This bill prohibits the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection from planting non-native species in landscaping at State parks and forests, effective three months after enactment. It establishes a $250,000 grant program to provide local government units (counties, municipalities, or park authorities) with funding - up to $5,000 per project - for using native plants in local park landscaping, land management, reforestation, and habitat restoration. The Department of Environmental Protection must develop grant guidelines, monitor recipients, and report annually on program effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature. The bill defines "native plants" as species naturally occurring in New Jersey or the Mid-Atlantic region without human assistance.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Forestry Parks & Recreation Public Lands

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2882: Authorizes DCA, DEP, DOT, and municipalities, to provide priority consideration to permit applications for green building projects.

This bill (S 2882) allows New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Transportation (DOT), and municipalities to give priority consideration to permit applications for "green building projects." To qualify, projects must meet holistic sustainability standards (like LEED certification or equivalent) and include a letter from a licensed architect or engineer verifying compliance. The priority means these applications would receive faster review without guaranteeing approval. It directly affects developers seeking permits for sustainable buildings and local agencies reviewing construction projects.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 696: Prohibits DEP from demolishing or requiring removal of certain cabins or similar structures located in certain tidal wetlands.

This bill prohibits New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from demolishing or requiring removal of cabins or similar structures in tidal wetlands within Lower Alloways Creek Township, Salem County, when those structures serve as general-use waystations for anyone needing temporary shelter. It specifically exempts cabins on state-acquired land prior to construction, illegally built cabins, or state-built cabins. The bill also grants the state immunity from liability for property damage or injuries related to these structures, adding to existing legal protections. The measure responds to a DEP order to remove eight historic cabins that have provided decades of shelter and hold local historical value.

Topics ✗ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1366: Makes $1.3 billion in federal funds available to DEP for use in New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program for lead service line replacement projects.

This bill allocates $1.3 billion in federal pandemic recovery funds (from the American Rescue Plan Act or similar sources) to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for lead service line replacement projects. It directly affects water suppliers across the state, requiring them to provide matching funds for replacements - except small suppliers (serving ≤3,300 connections), who may defer matching funds with department approval. The DEP and New Jersey Infrastructure Bank will administer the program, using the funds to support low-interest loans and financial assistance for replacing lead pipes connecting water mains to buildings. The program aligns with existing state infrastructure financing rules and aims to address lead contamination in drinking water systems.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

died · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1200: Requires water supplier to notify affected municipalities, school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and institutions of higher education of violations of drinking water quality standards.

This bill (S 1200) would have required public water suppliers to immediately notify municipalities, school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and colleges when drinking water violations occur that trigger federal Tier 2 Public Notices. The notification would detail specific contaminants, test results, locations, and suggested remedies. The bill was introduced in January 2026 but was withdrawn the same day because it was already enacted as part of P.L.2025, c.341. It does not currently require action, as the requirement is already in effect through prior legislation.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 2, 2026

S 3235: The "Safe Playing Fields Act"; restricts use of lawn care pesticides at child care centers and certain schools.

S 3235, the "Safe Playing Fields Act," prohibits the use of lawn care pesticides (excluding low-impact pesticides defined in current law) on the grounds of child care centers and schools serving kindergarten through 8th grade, including playgrounds and athletic fields. The bill allows exceptions only for immediate health emergencies, determined by facility leaders, and requires children to be kept away from treated areas for at least seven hours after application. It also mandates that the Environmental Protection Commissioner, with health officials, create new rules for pesticide use, record-keeping, and parent/staff notifications at these facilities within one year of the law taking effect. This directly affects child care centers and K-8 schools in New Jersey by restricting pesticide applications on their grounds.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Environment ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1901: Requires NJ Clean Energy Program incentives be made available to commercial farms.

S 1901 makes commercial farm owners in New Jersey eligible to apply for and receive energy efficiency incentives through the state's Clean Energy Program (NJCEP). The bill requires the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a program helping farm owners conduct energy audits - assessing energy use and identifying conservation measures - to maximize savings. It also mandates the BPU to publish all available farm-specific incentives online. This addresses a gap where commercial farms were excluded from NJCEP programs (unlike residential dwellings on farms), directly benefiting farm operators seeking to improve energy efficiency.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Conservation

All environment bills