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Bill

S 1366

Makes $1.3 billion in federal funds available to DEP for use in New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program for lead service line replacement projects.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Greenstein and 1 co-sponsor

S 1366 dedicates $1.3 billion in federal funds to replace lead service lines in New Jersey through accelerated infrastructure upgrades targeting public health protection.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee
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Bill Summary · S 1366

Legislative bill overview

S 1366 allocates $1.3 billion in federal funds to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) specifically for replacing lead service lines through the state's Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program. Lead service lines are pipes that connect homes to municipal water supplies and can leach lead into drinking water, particularly affecting older infrastructure.

Why is this important

Lead exposure through drinking water poses serious public health risks, especially for children and pregnant women, potentially causing developmental delays and cognitive impairment. Many New Jersey communities have aging water infrastructure with lead pipes; this funding would accelerate replacements that municipalities often cannot afford independently, addressing a documented environmental justice issue since lower-income communities typically have older infrastructure.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal funding source and sustainability: Questions about whether this is new federal appropriation or reallocation, and whether ongoing maintenance funding is addressed beyond initial replacement
  • Implementation timeline and equity: Uncertainty about how funds will be distributed among municipalities, whether disadvantaged areas receive priority, and whether the replacement pace can realistically serve all affected properties
  • Private vs. public responsibility: Debate over whether homeowners should bear costs for private service line replacements versus full public funding, and how this affects low-income property owners

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

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