Bill > S4941

This bill prohibits the use of Green Acres funds (a New Jersey state environmental preservation fund) for purchasing, using, installing, or replacing artificial turf fields due to significant health and environmental concerns. The bill details multiple risks associated with synthetic turf, including the presence of harmful chemicals like carcinogens, neurotoxicants, and "forever chemicals" (PFAS) that can accumulate in the human body and potentially cause health issues such as decreased fertility, developmental delays, increased cancer risk, and organ damage. The legislation also highlights environmental problems with synthetic turf, such as the generation of microplastics and nanoplastics that contaminate waterways and disrupt ecosystems, and notes that synthetic turf surfaces can reach temperatures up to 72 degrees hotter than natural grass, posing risks of heat-related injuries to athletes. By contrast, the bill advocates for natural grass fields maintained through organic practices, arguing that while synthetic turf is marketed as cost-effective and low-maintenance, its health and environmental risks far outweigh any potential benefits. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage, preventing Green Acres funds from being used for artificial turf field projects.

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https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4941