New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4554

Introduced
3/10/26  

Caption

Appropriates $111.6 million in dedicated natural resource damages revenues to DEP for habitat restoration, land acquisition, and restoration oversight projects.

Impact

The passage of A4554 is expected to have significant implications for state laws related to environmental protection and funding for restoration activities. By directing funds to the DEP, the bill reinforces the state's commitment to rehabilitating damaged ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity. The authorized spending will facilitate critical projects that can positively impact local environments and communities, particularly in regions that have suffered from past industrial activities. Moreover, the bill provides a structured process for how these funds can be allocated, which ensures transparency and accountability in their use.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4554 aims to appropriate $111.6 million in dedicated natural resource damages revenues to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for various environmental restoration projects. This funding is intended to address habitat restoration, land acquisition, and restoration oversight activities throughout the state. The funds are derived from settlements in multiple legal claims involving major corporations responsible for environmental damage, specifically aimed at repairing and restoring New Jersey's natural resources. The bill outlines a clear framework detailing how the funds can be used, with specific allocations to different projects across the state, ensuring a focused approach to ecological recovery.

Contention

While the bill has broad support due to its environmental objectives, it may face scrutiny regarding the allocation of funds and the effectiveness of the proposed projects. Some stakeholders have voiced concerns about the adequacy of the restoration plans, advocating for more stringent oversight to ensure that the funds are used effectively. Additionally, there may be debates surrounding the prioritization of certain regions over others and the criteria used to evaluate project proposals. Ultimately, the success of A4554 will depend on its implementation and the DEP's management of the allocated resources.

Companion Bills

NJ S743

Same As Appropriates $111.6 million in dedicated natural resource damages revenues to DEP for habitat restoration, land acquisition, and restoration oversight projects.

NJ S4688

Carry Over Appropriates $58.145 million in dedicated natural resource damages revenues to DEP for habitat restoration, land acquisition, and restoration oversight projects.

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB280

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1161

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.