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A 4554

Appropriates $111.6 million in dedicated natural resource damages revenues to DEP for habitat restoration, land acquisition, and restoration oversight projects.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Shama Haider and 2 co-sponsors

The bill dedicates $111.6 million of natural resource damages funds to the DEP for habitat restoration, land acquisition, and restoration oversight.

Substituted by S743 (1R)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4554

Bill overview

  • Bill: A-4554
  • Session: 222
  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Sponsor: Assemblyman James J. Kennedy (District 22: Somerset and Union)
  • Co-Sponsors: Assemblywomen Brennan and Haider (also listed as Haider, with additional co-sponsorships)
  • Current version: As introduced
  • Action history: Introduced and referred to the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee on March 10, 2026

Purpose and intent

  • The bill would dedicate and appropriate $111.6 million in revenues from natural resource damages (NRD) funds to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
  • The intended use of these funds is for habitat restoration, land acquisition, and restoration oversight projects.
  • In essence, the bill aims to channel NRD-derived dollars into concrete DEP-led environmental restoration and protection activities, rather than allocating them to other purposes or general funds.

Key provisions and changes

  • Appropriation: Allocates $111.6 million in NRD revenues to DEP.
  • Eligible uses (implicit in title and synopsis):
    • Habitat restoration projects to recover or improve damaged ecosystems.
    • Land acquisition to protect and secure habitats and potentially expand conservation areas.
    • Restoration oversight projects to ensure proper planning, implementation, monitoring, and accountability of restoration work.
  • Administration: The bill designates DEP as the recipient and executor of these funds for the specified purposes.
  • Source of funds: Dedicated NRD revenues (i.e., funds arising from penalties or settlements related to natural resource damages).

Who or what would be affected

  • State Agency: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) would administer and spend the $111.6 million.
  • Natural resources and environments: Habitat restoration projects, acquisition of land for conservation, and oversight of restoration efforts would be enhanced or accelerated.
  • General public and stakeholders: Communities benefiting from restored habitats, improved ecosystems, and potential enhancements to flood control, wildlife corridors, and natural resource resilience.
  • Potential landowners/partners: Organizations or entities involved in land acquisition or restoration partnerships may engage with DEP for project implementation.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Current status: Introduced and referred to the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee.
  • Timelines: As introduced, no specific grant or project timelines are provided in the summary. If advanced, the bill would move through committee reviews, potential amendments, and floor votes, with subsequent steps for any required appropriations or authorizations.
  • Oversight and reporting: While not detailed in the summary, restoration oversight implies ongoing monitoring; final versions typically include reporting requirements to Legislature and/or oversight bodies.

Potential implications and considerations

  • Fiscal impact: The bill directs a substantial allocation ($111.6 million) from NRD revenues to DEP for targeted environmental projects, which could affect prioritization of NRD funds and related statutory funding streams.
  • Environmental outcomes: Could accelerate habitat restoration, expand protected lands, and strengthen restoration governance and accountability.
  • Implementation considerations: Successful deployment would depend on DEP's project pipelines, matching funds or partnerships, eligible NRD sources, and timelines for project readiness and compliance with NRD funding rules.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to specific audiences (e.g., policymakers, stakeholders, or the general public) or compare it with related NRD funding proposals.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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