Bill > A5534

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for holding businesses accountable for environmental violations by requiring them to forfeit economic development subsidies under specific circumstances. The legislation defines an "environmental incident" as a violation of state environmental laws that causes a discharge into air, land, or water, resulting in a notice of violation with adverse environmental impacts. If a recipient business is found responsible for such an incident, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection can issue orders, levy administrative penalties, or bring civil actions. The bill mandates that businesses may be required to make payments to the state or forfeit up to 20% of their economic development subsidies, or an amount equal to the total costs of addressing the environmental incident, whichever is greater. These costs can include environmental remediation, housing relocation, air filtration systems, and mental health counseling for impacted residents. A new Environmental Incident Recovery Fund will be established to provide reimbursement payments to affected community residents. The bill applies to businesses that enter into economic development subsidy agreements after the law's effective date, and it aims to create a strong deterrent against environmental violations by imposing significant financial consequences on businesses that fail to comply with environmental regulations.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5534