Bill > S4787

This bill amends the Municipal Land Use Law to expand the definition of "inherently beneficial use" to include energy storage projects that are part of specific incentive programs administered by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU). Specifically, the bill adds projects under or eligible to receive incentives from the BPU's Successor Solar Incentive Program, Competitive Solar Incentive Program, a new program established by recent legislation, and the Garden State Energy Storage Program to the list of uses considered inherently beneficial. An inherently beneficial use is a type of development that is universally considered valuable to the community because it fundamentally serves the public good. By including energy storage projects in this category, the bill makes it easier for such projects to receive approval during the land use and development process, as inherently beneficial uses typically face fewer regulatory obstacles. The expanded definition reflects the growing importance of energy storage in supporting renewable energy infrastructure and promoting clean energy goals in New Jersey.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4787