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A 1849

Increases certain disability payments and specifying payments for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers injured in the line of duty on or after July first, two thousand twenty-four

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Angelo Santabarbara and 1 co-sponsor

Requires NJ Turnpike Authority and SJTA to install at least one hydrogen refueling station at each service area within two years, with costs recovered from motorists by usage.

REFERRED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
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Bill Summary · A 1849

Summary of New Jersey Bill A 1849

Overview

Bill A 1849, introduced January 9, 2024 and currently referred to the Local Governments committee, directs two New Jersey authorities to install hydrogen refueling stations at service areas along toll roads and recover the associated costs from motorists based on usage. The bill contains definitions for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen refueling stations and establishes a two-year deadline for installation at each applicable service area.

Purpose and Intent

  • To expand infrastructure for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) by ensuring accessible refueling options at major toll-road service areas.
  • To promote the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles by reducing refueling barriers, aiming to provide a refueling-time experience comparable to gasoline or other conventional fuels.
  • To allocate installation and operating costs to motorists in proportion to their use of the refueling stations, thereby routineizing cost recovery.

Key Provisions

Section 1 — New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA)

  • Definitions:
    • Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle: a vehicle powered by cells that convert chemical energy from hydrogen and oxygen into electricity.
    • Hydrogen refueling station: a fueling station providing hydrogen fuel (exclusively or with other fuels) for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
  • Requirement: Within two years after the act’s effective date, each New Jersey Turnpike service area and Garden State Parkway service area must be equipped with at least one hydrogen refueling station.
  • Cost recovery: The NJTA shall determine the costs of installing and operating the stations and recover those costs from motorists using the stations, in proportion to their use.

Section 2 — South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA)

  • Definitions (same as above for hydrogen fuel cell vehicle and hydrogen refueling station).
  • Requirement: Within two years after the act’s effective date, each Atlantic City Expressway service area must be equipped with at least one hydrogen refueling station.
  • Cost recovery: The SJTA shall determine the installation and operating costs and recover them from motorists using the stations, in proportion to their use.

Section 3 — Effective Date

  • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Implementation and Financial Details

  • Duty to install: Within two years of the act’s effective date, at least one hydrogen refueling station must be installed in each specified service area (NJTA service areas and Atlantic City Expressway service areas).
  • Cost recovery mechanism: The governing authority (NJTA or SJTA) must quantify installation/operating costs and bill motorists in proportion to usage, ensuring that those who use the stations more pay more.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: New Jersey Turnpike Authority and South Jersey Transportation Authority.
  • Secondary: Motorists who use the service areas and hydrogen fuel cell vehicle owners or potential buyers who would refuel at these stations.
  • Potential market impacts: Could encourage adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by improving refueling convenience and reducing wait times.

Legislative History and Sponsors

  • Introduced in the Assembly: January 9, 2024.
  • Current Status: Referred to Local Governments (as of January 14, 2025; listed twice in the record).
  • Primary Sponsor: Phil Steck; Cosponsor: Angelo Santabarbara.
  • Related/Companion Bills: S 771 (companion); A 11078, A 3347, A 4449 (prior-session references).

Notes for Readers

  • This summary reflects the introduced version’s text and stated provisions. If enacted, detailed regulatory rules and implementation plans would be needed to address station siting, capacity, pricing, maintenance, safety, and integration with existing fueling networks.

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

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