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NJ SR51
NJ SR51Urges DEP to cease funding synthetic turf field projects and prioritize investing in natural grass playing fields.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This resolution urges the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to cease investing in synthetic turf field projects and to prioritize investing in safe, non-toxic, natural grass playing fields for recreational development projects. The Green Acres Program (Green Acres) was established to meet the State's growing recreation and conservation needs. Through grants and low interest loans, Green Acres has financed hundreds of recreation development projects throughout the State. Recreational development projects play a vital role in the State's economy and create and maintain safe spaces for New Jerseyans to gather, play, and exercise. However, reports that Green Acres invested nearly $10 million in synthetic turf playing field projects in 2023 have raised serious environmental and public health concerns. Synthetic turf components contain hazardous chemicals and can break down into microplastics that contribute to environmental pollution. Synthetic turf also presents health and safety risks as the surface of synthetic turf can become much hotter than natural grass, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and injuries, and the lack of shock absorption in synthetic turf places athletes at greater risk of suffering lower-body injuries. Due to the safety hazards and risks of dangerous heat and chemical exposures, experts recommend against installing synthetic turf playing fields. This House believes the environmental, health, and safety risks greatly outweigh the intended benefits of synthetic turf and urges DEP to prioritize funding recreational development projects that use safe, natural, and eco-conscious materials.
AI Summary
This resolution urges the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which oversees the Green Acres Program (Green Acres) that funds recreational development projects, to stop allocating funds to projects that install synthetic turf fields and instead prioritize investments in natural grass playing fields. The resolution highlights concerns that synthetic turf, often made from recycled tires, can release harmful chemicals and microplastics into the environment, posing risks to aquatic life and ecosystems. Furthermore, it points out that synthetic turf surfaces can become dangerously hot, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses for athletes, and may offer less shock absorption, leading to a higher chance of lower-body injuries compared to natural grass. Given these environmental, health, and safety risks, which experts recommend avoiding, the resolution asserts that the drawbacks of synthetic turf outweigh its perceived benefits, advocating for the use of safe, natural, and eco-conscious materials for recreational spaces.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/SR51 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/SR/51_I1.HTM |
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