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Bill > A3901
NJ A3901
NJ A3901Establishes ranking criteria for certain nonpoint source pollution control grants issued by DEP.
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 require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish, to the extent allowable under the federal "Clean Water Act," a ranking system for nonpoint source pollution control grants it issues pursuant to the "Water Pollution Control Act," P.L.1977, c.74 (C.58:10A-1 et seq.). The DEP's current nonpoint source pollution control grant program, known as "The Water Quality Restoration Grant Program," uses Corporation Business Tax revenues appropriated pursuant to Article VIII, Section II, paragraph 6, subparagraph (a) of the New Jersey Constitution and federal funds allocated to the State pursuant to the federal "Clean Water Act." Under the bill, the ranking system would be required, at a minimum, to provide for priority to be given to projects that are located in: (1) an area that is served by a stormwater utility; (2) a municipality that has an ordinance prohibiting the use of lawn fertilizers; (3) an area that has experienced recent economic hardship because nonpoint source pollution has limited the uses of a nearby waterbody; or (4) a municipality that has an ordinance imposing maintenance and inspection standards on the owners and operators of septic systems.
AI Summary
This bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a system for ranking applications for grants aimed at controlling nonpoint source pollution, which is pollution that enters waterways from diffuse sources like runoff rather than a single pipe. This ranking system will be implemented to the extent permitted by the federal "Clean Water Act" and will apply to grants funded by state corporate taxes and federal money. The bill specifies that priority should be given to projects in areas that have a stormwater utility (a system for managing rainwater runoff), municipalities that ban lawn fertilizers, areas where nearby waterbodies have been negatively impacted by nonpoint source pollution leading to economic hardship, or municipalities that have ordinances requiring regular maintenance and inspections of septic systems.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (2)
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/A3901 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4000/3901_I1.HTM |
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