7 New NJ Laws, Including 4 Clean Energy Bills, Signed By Murphy

NEW JERSEY — Gov. Phil Murphy took a step toward achieving his goal of transitioning New Jersey to 100 percent clean energy with the signing of four bills Friday.

The governor also signed a bill concerning healthcare requirements for boards of education, as well as bills concerning broadband access and working papers for minors.

The clean energy bill package increases solar development and pushes the advent of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the Garden State.

“Three and a half years ago, we put forth one of the most aggressive plans in the nation to move New Jersey away from fossil fuels and towards a future based on clean and renewable energy technologies,” Murphy said. “From wind-turbine component manufacturing, to solar energy installation, to electric vehicles, the modernization of our energy sector will not only aid us in addressing climate change, but also drive significant economic growth and create good-paying, union jobs across the state. By signing these bills today, we are marking another milestone on our path to 100 percent clean energy by 2050 and fueling our clean innovation economy.”

Among the bills signed was Bill S3223/A2108, which eases zoning standards for the installation of electric vehicle supply equipment and make-ready parking spaces. It specifies that these are permitted uses in all zoning districts, and states that developers won’t need to seek variances locally to install them.

“I often talk about how significant these past few years have been for greatly expanding and growing renewable energy and electric vehicle capacity in New Jersey to combat climate change,” said State Sen. Bob Smith (D-Middlesex/Somerset), who co-sponsored the bill. “With the dual-use solar project and utility-scale solar program laws now established, we can significantly increase our renewable energy footprint in a way that both preserves farmland and open-space. This clean energy can then go into the electrical grid to help power the electric vehicles via charging stations installed around the state.”

Murphy also signed the following legislation regarding New Jersey’s Clean Energy Future:

• Bill A1653/S2142: Encourages development of zero-emission vehicle fueling and charging infrastructure in redevelopment projects.
• Bill A4554/S2605: Establishes successor program to solar renewable energy certificate program in the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), including solicitation process for certain solar power generation facilities.
• Bill A5434/S3484: Establishes dual-use solar project pilot program for unpreserved farmland; allows land used for dual-use solar project to be eligible for farmland assessment under certain conditions.

In May 2018, Murphy signed an executive order that directed BPU to work with other state agencies to develop a statewide clean energy plan that shifts the focus away from energy production that contributes to climate change.

In January 2020, he signed an executive order directing the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to reduce emissions under what is known as the Protecting Against Climate Threats (PACT) reforms.

Signing these bills is another step in that direction, officials said.

“In order to combat climate change and its devastating consequences, we must do all we can to make it easier for people and families to use and charge electric vehicles, whether they live in a single-family home or in a multi-family dwelling. Electric vehicles are the future and everyone should have access to the environmental and economic benefits they provide,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. “The legislation that Governor Murphy signed today will go a long way to supporting electric vehicle adoption across New Jersey. In fact, DCA is already at work crafting model ordinances to provide local governments with the ability to safely and efficiently approve the installation of electric vehicle service equipment and parking spaces that are pre-wired for electric vehicle infrastructure. DCA looks forward to continuing to do its part on electric vehicles and the broader effort to protect our environment.”

However, the non-profit environmental activist group the Sierra Club told NJ Spotlight it is concerned about where the stations will be located, and that it doesn’t go far enough to support electric vehicles, as it only supports non-emissions vehicles. Officials maintain this is a big step in the right direction.

“Governor Murphy’s actions on these bills today will expand solar energy and electric vehicle infrastructure and continue to advance our efforts to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050,” BPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso said. “We are building on the success of New Jersey’s solar industry, which is going strong with over 142,000 installations in the state, as well developing the critical EV infrastructure necessary to help drivers make the switch. The new legislation complements our efforts at the Board and will help deliver on the Governor’s vision of a clean energy future.”

"I am proud to stand with Governor Murphy today as he signs legislation that will make it easier for New Jersey's municipalities to create electric vehicle charging infrastructure in their communities and further advance the state's clean energy goals," NJDEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. "Driving electric has numerous benefits for public health, air quality and the environment. We encourage the public to review the many incentives New Jersey offers for purchasing and driving electric vehicles and consider doing so an investment in the state's clean energy future."

HEALTHCARE

Murphy also signed Bill A-5825/S-3487, which changes the effective date to implement the Garden State Health Plan from July 1, 2021, to Jan. 1, 2022. The bill calls for boards of education that provide health care coverage to their employees and their dependents to provide care that is the equivalent of the Garden State Health Plan in the school employee health benefits program.

The bill also exempts certain charter and renaissance schools from certain healthcare plan requirements, and requires healthcare negotiations over certain healthcare costs.

BROADBAND ACCESS

Bill A-850 wGR/S-2864 establishes a Broadband Access Study Commission,” a 19-member committee that will meet to evaluate impediments to Internet access across the state and determine if and where community broadband networks should be established in New Jersey. It will make recommendations to the governor and the legislature within a year of its first meeting. After submitting recommendations, the unpaid committee will dissolve.

WORKING PAPERS FOR MINORS
Bill A-4804/S-3115 modifies the process for minors to obtain working certificates. It states that minors must apply for working certificates in person, but during a state of emergency of public health emergency, applications may be done using audiovisual technology.