Bill Text: NJ A5554 | 2022-2023 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Requires DEP to study methane emissions.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2023-11-27 - Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee [A5554 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2022-A5554-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman ANNETTE CHAPARRO
District 33 (Hudson)
Assemblyman DANIEL R. BENSON
District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)
Assemblyman JAMES J. KENNEDY
District 22 (Middlesex, Somerset and Union)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblyman Conaway
SYNOPSIS
Requires DEP to study methane emissions.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning the study of methane emissions in the State.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. Within 30 days after the effective date of this section, the Department of Environmental Protection shall commence a comprehensive study of methane emissions in the State. The study shall include an evaluation of:
(1) the quantity of methane emitted in the State;
(2) the sources of methane emissions;
(3) the efficiency of flares that are in operation in the State at converting methane into other substances;
(4) measures that could be taken to reduce methane emissions resulting from solid waste, agriculture, natural gas transmission and distribution, petroleum refineries, and any other sources deemed appropriate by the department; and
(5) recommendations for legislative and regulatory actions to reduce methane emissions in the State.
b. In conducting the methane emissions study pursuant to subsection a. of this section, the department shall engage in a robust stakeholder engagement process, which process shall include consultation with, and the solicitation of testimony and information from: professionals, businesses, organizations, and agencies having particular experience or expertise in the solid waste, petroleum, and agriculture sectors; environmental scientists and other members of appropriate scientific fields; members of the public; and other relevant and interested parties.
c. No later than one year after the effective date of this section, the department shall prepare and submit a written report to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.2), to the Legislature, identifying the findings from the study conducted pursuant to subsection a. of this section, including any recommendations for legislative, executive, and other actions that can be taken to reduce methane emissions in the State.
2. This act shall take effect immediately, and shall expire on the 30th day following the submission of the report required pursuant to subsection c. of section 1 of this act.
STATEMENT
This bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), to undertake a study of methane emissions in the State, beginning no later than 30 days after the bill's enactment.
The study would be required to include an evaluation of:
(1) the quantity of methane emitted in the State;
(2) the sources of methane emissions;
(3) the efficiency of flares that are in operation in the State at converting methane into other substances;
(4) measures that could be taken to reduce methane emissions resulting from solid waste, agriculture, natural gas transmission and distribution, petroleum refineries, and any other sources deemed appropriate by the department; and
(5) recommendations for legislative and regulatory actions to reduce methane emissions in the State.
The bill would require the DEP to engage with relevant stakeholders and members of the public in carrying out the study. No later than one year after the bill's enactment, the bill would require the DEP to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature that contains the study's findings.
