Bill > S743

This bill appropriates $111.6 million in dedicated natural resource damages revenues to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for habitat restoration, land acquisition, and restoration oversight projects, an increase from the previously proposed $58.1 million. These funds, derived from settlements in various environmental damage cases like those involving Atlantic Richfield Co. and Exxon Mobil Corporation, are specifically earmarked for repairing, restoring, or permanently protecting the state's natural resources, with a significant portion allocated to habitat restoration and land acquisition across different regions of the state, as well as for restoration oversight at specific sites like the Ciba-Geigy Superfund Site. The bill also allows the DEP to reallocate funds among these projects with approval from the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting and requires notification to legislative leaders and relevant committees. The appropriated money can be used for state costs, including grants or loans to local governments and nonprofit organizations, and the act takes effect immediately.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S743