Bill > S4436

This bill requires legislative approval for New Jersey's Energy Master Plan (EMP) to become official state policy. Specifically, the bill amends an existing law to stipulate that the EMP, which is prepared by an Energy Master Plan Committee composed of heads from various state departments, will only be considered state policy if the Legislature adopts a concurrent resolution approving the plan within six months of its adoption. Currently, the EMP is developed through a process that includes preparing a draft plan, holding public hearings in different geographical areas of the state, considering public testimony, and then adopting the final plan. The new provision adds an additional step of legislative review and approval, ensuring that the Legislature has a formal opportunity to endorse or potentially modify the energy strategy before it becomes official state policy. This change aims to increase legislative oversight of the state's energy planning process and provide an additional mechanism for checking the EMP's alignment with broader state priorities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4436