Bill > A4380

Introduced Session

This bill establishes a Watershed Council within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The purpose of the council is to analyze flooding and other environmental issues affecting the State's watersheds. The council is directed to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the DEP's programs for planning, permitting, mitigation, and restoration of impacts to New Jersey's watersheds, analyze the programs' effectiveness in preserving plant and animal life, protecting residents for flooding risks, preserving and enhancing water quality, and managing stormwater runoff, and make recommendations. Under the bill, the council is to consist of 21 members, each member representing one of the State's watershed management areas, with expertise in environmental issues, flooding, or land use. The Governor, in consultation with the Watershed Institute and other state-wide environmental groups, is required to appoint each of the members for a term of three years, with the exception of the initial members who are to have staggered terms. Within 12 months of the council's organizational meeting, and annually thereafter, the council is required to prepare and submit a report to the DEP commissioner, the Governor, and the Legislature with recommendations for legislative or regulatory action, to improve, promote, and protect the health and well-being of the State's residents, and to improve and increase the preservation of water quality, and plant and animal life.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Alex Sauickie (R)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee (on 02/19/2026)

Official Document