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A 4819

Withdraws New Jersey's participation in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative; repeals "Global Warming Response Act" and related sections of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative implementing law.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Fantasia and 3 co-sponsors

New Jersey would withdraw from RGGI and repeal the Global Warming Response Act, removing state cap-and-trade rules for electric power emissions.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4819

Bill Summary: A-4819 (New Jersey, 2026) – Withdraw from RGGI and repeal related Global Warming measures

Basic information

  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Bill number: A-4819
  • Session: 222
  • Introduced: May 4, 2026
  • Sponsors: Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (co-sponsor) and Assemblyman Paul Kanitra (co-sponsor)
  • Action to date: Introduced and referred to the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee

Purpose and intent

A-4819 would:
1. Withdraw New Jersey’s participation from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
This state-level program currently establishes a cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation; the bill proposes removing New Jersey from participation in RGGI.
2. Repeal the Global Warming Response Act (GWRA) and related sections of the RGGI implementing law.
The GWRA is a framework enacted to address climate change through measurable, state-level actions. The bill seeks to repeal the GWRA and the provisions that implement RGGI within New Jersey law.

Key provisions and changes (conceptual, based on bill title and action)

  • Cessation of participation in RGGI:
    The bill would terminate New Jersey’s involvement in the RGGI program, which would affect obligations, permits, and trading activities tied to CO2 emissions from power plants within or affecting the state.
  • ** repeals and removals:**
    • Global Warming Response Act (GWRA): The bill would repeal the GWRA in its entirety.
    • RGGI implementing law components: Any statutory provisions that implement RGGI in New Jersey law would be repealed or repealed to align with withdrawal.
  • Policy direction: By withdrawing, the state would presumably remove state-level cap-and-trade constraints on electric generation emissions and the associated regulatory framework.

Who would be affected

  • Electric power generators and facilities subject to RGGI or GWRA requirements: Facilities that emit greenhouse gases and participate in or are governed by the RGGI cap-and-trade program could see changes in compliance obligations, permits, and transaction activity.
  • State regulatory agencies: Agencies administering environmental and energy laws would realign authority away from RGGI/GWRA-related programs, potentially shifting toward other state climate or energy strategies.
  • Statewide climate policy framework: The removal of GWRA and RGGI implementing provisions would alter the state’s approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Committee action: As of the current action history, the bill has been referred to the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee. No further action (e.g., hearings, amendments, floor votes) is listed.
  • Future steps (typical legislative path): If advanced, the bill would proceed through committee hearings and potential amendments, then to the full Assembly for a vote, followed by passage in the Senate (and, if needed, reconciliation) and finally governor action (sign or veto) or override procedures.

Potential implications and considerations

  • Environmental and economic impacts: Withdrawal from RGGI removes a market-based mechanism for reducing power-sector emissions in New Jersey. This could affect emissions reductions timelines, electricity prices influenced by cap-and-trade dynamics, and potential regional coordination on climate policy.
  • Interstate relations and compliance: RGGI is a multistate program; withdrawal may require coordination with other RGGI members and could impact existing regional projects or investments tied to RGGI compliance.
  • Policy alternatives: If the GWRA and RGGI provisions are repealed, the state would need to articulate or implement substitute climate and energy policies to meet any existing or future state goals for emissions reductions.

If you’d like, I can add a comparison to current law, outline potential fiscal impacts, or summarize legislative history on related climate initiatives in New Jersey.

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

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