Bill > A866

Introduced Session

This bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a sonar testing permit program. Under the bill, no person would be permitted to perform sonar testing in the waters of the State without first obtaining a permit. However, the bill would allow sonar testing to be performed without a permit in an emergency situation that requires its use, or when performed by the military. An applicant for a sonar testing permit would be required to submit to the DEP: (1) a comprehensive study evaluating the potential impacts of the applicant's expected use of sonar testing on marine life; and (2) a description of all measures taken by the application to prevent harm to marine life during the performance of sonar testing. Under the bill, the DEP would issue a sonar testing permit upon a finding that the sonar testing would pose a minimal risk to the health of marine life in the affected areas. The bill would require the DEP to immediately suspend a sonar testing permit if a marine mammal is found injured or deceased and the cause of injury or death is related to the permit holder's use of sonar testing. The bill would require the DEP to investigate the cause of injury or death, and determine if the use of sonar testing by the permittee contributed to the injury or death, and the permittee's sonar testing permit would remain suspended until the DEP concludes its investigation and publishes its conclusions. Following an investigation, the DEP would produce a written report of its findings and post the report on its Internet website.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Vicky Flynn (R)*,  Gerry Scharfenberger (R)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document