Environment in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1383: Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects.

This bill (S 1383) requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to prioritize funding for two types of projects: 1) land acquisition for recreation and conservation, and 2) environmental infrastructure projects that include flood mitigation. It directs the DEP to use specific criteria - such as protecting floodplains, wetlands, and flood-prone areas - to rank projects for funding under existing Green Acres programs. The bill amends current law to ensure projects addressing flood risk receive priority when allocating constitutionally dedicated funds. This affects local governments and nonprofits applying for DEP grants to acquire or develop land for public recreation or conservation uses.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 662: Establishes various programs in DEP concerning management of publicly owned forested land; appropriates $60 million.

This bill establishes a program for managing publicly owned forested lands across New Jersey. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to survey, map, and develop management plans for all state and local government-owned forested areas (minimum 0.5 acres with 10% canopy cover), including identifying cultural sites, wildfire risks, and areas for carbon sequestration. The bill creates "Carbon Reserve Forests" to protect mature forests, advance greenhouse gas reduction goals, and promote old-growth development, with management focused on ecological health rather than commercial use. It appropriates $60 million for these efforts and mandates public input through regional hearings. The program directly affects state/local land managers, indigenous communities (through cultural site protections), and climate initiatives.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Climate Change Conservation Forestry

died · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 803: Establishes program in SADC for acquisition of development easements on privately-owned woodlands.

S 803 creates a program for New Jersey to acquire development easements on privately-owned woodlands, permanently restricting future development to protect land for farming, forestry, and conservation. Woodlands must be at least 20 acres, used for agriculture or forestry production, and managed under approved stewardship plans to qualify. The program will use existing farmland preservation funds and coordinate with federal agencies to access additional support, such as the federal Forest Legacy Program. Landowners who sell these easements retain ownership but lose development rights, with restrictions recorded to last indefinitely.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2361: Requires DEP to establish maximum contaminant level for hexavalent chromium in drinking water.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to set a legal limit of 10 parts per billion for hexavalent chromium (a toxic form of chromium) in drinking water. It affects all public water systems, with deadlines based on system size: larger systems (10,000+ connections) must comply within 2 years, medium systems (1,000-9,999 connections) within 3 years, and smaller systems (under 1,000 connections) within 4 years after the law takes effect. The bill does not change existing limits for total chromium but specifically restricts hexavalent chromium to the new 10 ppb standard. The DEP may later adopt stricter limits if recommended by the Drinking Water Quality Institute.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

died · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 605: Requires environmental sustainability plan for State House Complex.

This bill requires the State Capitol Joint Management Commission to create and implement an environmental sustainability plan for New Jersey's State House Complex. The plan must include specific measures like energy efficiency upgrades, water conservation, sustainable food service practices using local products, carbon reduction strategies, and performance tracking. The Commission must update the plan every four years, issue annual public progress reports online, and appoint an advisory committee of sustainability experts. This directly affects how the complex manages its operations, energy use, and environmental impact.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 72: Prohibits NJT from making major alterations to rail yards located near certain environmentally sensitive areas.

This bill prohibits New Jersey Transit (NJT) from making major rail yard changes - like adding tracks or building fuel facilities - near environmentally sensitive areas without special approval. It specifically restricts projects in coastal zones, areas draining into Barnegat Bay Estuary, or within 1,000 feet of wetlands, tidal waters, or freshwater wetlands. NJT must first obtain all required environmental permits and get written authorization from the Governor after consulting the Environmental Protection Department and EPA. The rule applies to rail yard projects submitted for permits after March 31, 2022.

Topics ✓ Environment ✗ Transportation

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Rail

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 934: Prohibits release of certain substances into atmosphere for purposes of geoengineering.

This bill prohibits any person or entity - including private companies, public agencies, or federal operations - from releasing hazardous chemicals or physical agents into the atmosphere for geoengineering, defined as intentional environmental manipulation to alter weather, cloud formation, or atmospheric conditions (e.g., cloud seeding, aerosol injection, or chaff dispersal). It requires the state Environmental Protection Commissioner to notify federal authorities if they conduct such activities in New Jersey and establishes a public reporting program for suspected violations, allowing citizens to submit evidence like photos or data. Violators face civil penalties up to $50,000 per offense, with enforcement handled by the Department of Environmental Protection. The bill directly affects entities conducting geoengineering activities within New Jersey, including federal agencies operating in the state.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 311: Requires certain facilities that store or process automotive shredder residue to obtain DEP permit; defines "hazardous waste" to include automotive shredder residue.

This bill requires scrap processing facilities that handle automotive shredder residue (ASR) - the non-recyclable material left after shredding cars and metal scrap - to obtain a permit from New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). It explicitly defines ASR as "hazardous waste," meaning facilities must follow DEP-set limits on storage volume, height, and duration, and cannot store ASR near homes or critical infrastructure. The law amends existing waste management statutes to include these requirements and mandates the DEP to create rules for implementation. It directly affects scrap processing facilities statewide that currently handle ASR without permitting.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Hazardous Materials Recycling Waste Management

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 604: Prohibits investment by State of pension and annuity funds in, and requires divestment from, 200 largest publicly traded fossil fuel companies.

New Jersey's S 604 prohibits state pension and annuity funds from investing in the 200 largest publicly traded fossil fuel companies, ranked by carbon content in their oil, gas, and coal reserves. It requires full divestment from these companies within one year (two years for coal companies), with exceptions allowing temporary reinvestment if fund values drop below 99.5% of their hypothetical value without divestment. The bill mandates annual reports tracking divestment progress and compliance to the Governor, Legislature, and Attorney General. This policy directly affects the state's $100+ billion pension funds and their investment decisions regarding fossil fuel holdings.

Topics ✗ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coal Oil & Gas

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 487: Exempts sales of energy-saving products and services from sales and use tax.

This bill exempts the sales tax on specific energy-saving products and services when purchased by consumers or businesses. It covers items like LED light bulbs, insulation, window weather stripping, tankless water heaters, and furnace filters, which are defined as products or services primarily designed to reduce energy use in homes and buildings. The tax exemption applies to retail sales made after the bill takes effect, removing the sales tax burden on these items. This change directly benefits homeowners and businesses looking to install or buy energy-efficient upgrades.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Sales Tax State Budget Tax Incentives Energy Efficiency Recycling

All environment bills