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Bill

A 3919

Requires study of ocean energy potential; directs BPU to establish wave and tidal energy generation goals and take other action to establish NJ as nationwide leader in ocean energy.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Don Guardian and 7 co-sponsors

New Jersey will study and pilot wave and tidal energy, create targets for 2030-2050, and integrate these into the Energy Master Plan with incentives and coordination.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee
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Bill Summary · A 3919

Summary of Bill A-3919 (Session 222) – New Jersey

What the bill aims to do

  • Establishes a comprehensive study and planning framework to develop ocean energy in New Jersey, focusing on wave and tidal energy.
  • Seeks to position New Jersey as a nationwide leader in ocean energy by incorporating dedicated goals, pilot testing, and policy mechanisms into the state’s clean energy planning.
  • Requires updating the Energy Master Plan to include wave and tidal energy as integral components and to set generation targets for 2030, 2040, and 2050.

Key provisions and changes

1) Foundational findings and policy direction

  • Declares ocean energy (wave and tidal) as a major, underutilized source of renewable energy.
  • Emphasizes the need to include ocean energy in the state’s clean energy goals and planning (alongside wind and solar).
  • Argues that strategic development of wave and tidal energy can create jobs, drive innovation, and enhance grid reliability while supporting cost-effective clean energy.

2) Pilot project and data collection

  • The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) must solicit and approve one pilot wave and tidal energy project.
  • Data from the pilot must be incorporated into the subsequent study and final report.
  • The pilot serves as the data source for evaluating feasibility, impacts, and policy options.

3) Comprehensive study and reporting (timeline and content)

  • Within 12 months after the pilot’s completion, the BPU and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must begin a comprehensive study evaluating:
    • Actual and potential impacts (labor markets, energy prices, air quality and greenhouse gases, ocean ecosystems, water quality, grid transmission, PJM operations, reliability, and security).
    • Feasibility and desirability of a Wave Renewable Energy Credit (WREC) program and comparison to existing renewable energy credit programs (SREC, SREC-II, OREC).
    • Feasibility and desirability of alternative incentives (public-private partnerships, private investment, university involvement) to advance wave/tidal energy.
  • Within 15 months after the pilot, the President of BPU and the DEP Commissioner must jointly prepare and submit a written report to the Governor and Legislature with:
    • Findings from the study and pilot data.
    • A strategic deployment plan with concrete MW targets for wave and/or tidal energy by 2030, 2040, and 2050.
    • Procedures and standards for soliciting and approving wave/tidal energy proposals.
    • Proposed financial incentives or other methods to promote development, innovation, and achieving the stated goals.
    • Recommendations to establish New Jersey as a national leader in this sector.

4) Incorporation into the Energy Master Plan

  • The Energy Master Plan Committee must incorporate information from the wave/tidal strategic plan into the first update of the Energy Master Plan.
  • Where practicable, the plan should reflect the recommended generation goals.

5) Implementation and coordination

  • The BPU is empowered to oversee the pilot and, based on the report, to solicit/approve additional projects and apply incentives (including renewable energy credits or alternatives) to advance new wave/tidal projects.
  • Public education and outreach are required to build awareness and support for ocean energy.
  • The bill directs coordination with:
    • The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for offshore leasing/permits (federal waters).
    • The DEP for coastal/onshore leasing/permits (state jurisdiction).

6) Effective date

  • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected

  • State agencies: BPU and DEP, which will lead pilots, studies, and policy development.
  • Energy developers and investors: potential future eligibility for incentives, credits (WRECs), and streamlined permitting related to wave/tidal projects.
  • The energy market: consideration of new revenue streams (WRECs) and potential impacts on energy pricing and grid operations.
  • Public and environmental stakeholders: through stakeholder engagement requirements and potential environmental assessments.
  • General public: through education campaigns and potential changes to energy costs and reliability.

Procedural and timeline highlights

  • Pilot wave/tidal energy project to be selected and implemented by the BPU (no fixed date beyond immediate effect; pilot precedes the studies).
  • Comprehensive feasibility study to begin within 12 months after pilot completion.
  • Written policy/strategic plan report due within 15 months after pilot completion.
  • Energy Master Plan must incorporate wave/tidal energy findings in its first update after enactment.

If you’d like, I can provide a plain-language, section-by-section paraphrase of the bill’s language or a side-by-side comparison with existing NJ energy programs (SREC, OREC, etc.).

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

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