Bill
Bill > A3630
NJ A3630
NJ A3630Authorizes performance of supplemental environmental project to replace portion of monetary penalties for environmental violations in certain circumstances.
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 bill would authorize the Department of Environmental Protection (department) to enter into a settlement agreement with a person who violates an environmental law which would allow the performance of a supplemental environmental project (SEP) to replace a part the monetary civil penalty or civil administrative penalty that would otherwise be assessed for the violation. The performance of a SEP in place of a portion of a monetary penalty would be voluntary on the part of the person violating the environmental law. Under the bill, after a final total penalty amount for a violation of an environmental law has been agreed to by the department and the person in violation of the law, the total penalty amount would be reduced by the dollar amount of the cost of the performance of a SEP up to 75 percent of the total penalty amount agreed to in the settlement, or in the case of a violation of the "Water Pollution Control Act," no more than 50 percent of the amount of the penalty. A SEP would be proposed by the violator for approval by the department and would be incorporated in the settlement agreement. The bill would require the department to consider the capacity of the violator to complete the proposed SEP, the resources and capacity of the department to verify proper performance of the SEP, the compliance history of the violator, the likelihood of the purported environmental benefits to be achieved by the SEP, the relationship of the SEP with the community or ecosystem affected by the violation, whether the SEP advances environmental priorities identified by the department, whether the SEP improves the environment in an overburdened community, and the involvement of the residents of community organizations in the development of the SEP.
AI Summary
This bill allows the Department of Environmental Protection (department) to agree to let individuals or companies who have violated environmental laws perform a "supplemental environmental project" (SEP) – a project focused on pollution reduction, prevention, remediation, or environmental enhancement that provides real environmental benefits and isn't otherwise required – to offset a portion of the monetary penalties they would normally have to pay. This is a voluntary option for the violator, and the SEP's cost can reduce the total penalty by up to 75%, though for violations of the "Water Pollution Control Act," this reduction is capped at 50%. The violator must propose the SEP, detailing its scope, costs, and expected benefits, and the department will consider factors like the violator's ability to complete the project, the department's capacity to oversee it, the violator's past compliance, the SEP's potential environmental benefits, its relevance to the affected community or ecosystem, whether it aligns with the department's environmental priorities, and if it benefits an overburdened community or involves community organizations. The department has 30 days to approve, modify, or reject the proposed SEP, and if approved, it will be incorporated into a settlement agreement outlining all terms and conditions.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste 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/A3630 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4000/3630_I1.HTM |
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