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Bill > A675
NJ A675
NJ A675Prohibits NJT from making major alterations to rail yards located near certain environmentally sensitive areas.
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 prohibit the New Jersey Transit Corporation from making any major alterations, renovations, improvements, upgrades, or additions to any rail yard: (1) which is located within the coastal area as defined and regulated by the "Coastal Area Facility Review Act" (CAFRA); (2) from which surface water or groundwater flows into the watershed of the Barnegat Bay Estuary or into wetlands designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to be priority wetlands; and (3) any portion of which is located in, or within 1,000 feet of: (a) a freshwater wetland or freshwater wetland transition area; (b) a coastal or tidal wetland or coastal or tidal wetland buffer or transition area; or (c) a tidal water body. Exceptions to the bill's prohibition would be allowed only by express written authorization of the Governor, following consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT) from making significant changes, such as major renovations or upgrades, to rail yards that are located in or near environmentally sensitive areas, including those within the coastal zone regulated by the Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA), those whose water runoff flows into the Barnegat Bay Estuary or priority wetlands designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or those within 1,000 feet of freshwater wetlands, coastal or tidal wetlands, or tidal water bodies. These restrictions are intended to protect these crucial ecosystems. Any exceptions to this prohibition would require explicit written approval from the Governor, following consultations with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the EPA, and only after NJT has obtained all necessary federal, state, and local permits. The bill defines "major alterations" broadly to include things like adding tracks, constructing fuel facilities, or other changes deemed significant by the Department of Environmental Protection after public input. This law applies to projects for which permit applications were submitted after March 31, 2022.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities 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/A675 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1000/675_I1.HTM |
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