Bill Text: NJ AR139 | 2026-2027 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Recognizes use of turfgrass for 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)
Status: (Introduced) 2026-05-14 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee [AR139 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2026-AR139-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman ANDREA KATZ
District 8 (Atlantic and Burlington)
SYNOPSIS
Recognizes use of turfgrass for 2026 FIFA World Cup.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution recognizing the use of turfgrass for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Whereas, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey will host eight matches of the 2026 F�d�ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup, including the Grand Finale round; and
Whereas, In 2025, MetLife Stadium changed its artificial turf with turfgrass in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup; and
Whereas, There are approximately 10,000 species of grass in the world, and at least 12 of them are considered turfgrass; and
Whereas, Turfgrass contains narrow-leaved plants that can provide a uniform cover, tolerate low mowing, and traffic; and
Whereas, Turfgrass provides a number of environmental benefits, including air purification by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, temperature cooling by evapotranspiration, stormwater control by slowing runoff and allowing water to soak into soil reducing flooding and erosion, soil stabilization by holding soil in place preventing erosion and dust, and pollution filtration by trapping dust, smoke particles, and pollutants; and
Whereas, Turfgrass provides a number of health and lifestyle benefits as turfgrass is a safer surface as natural grass provides cushioning lowering injury risk during sports and recreation, increases mental well-being by providing green spaces which are linked to reduce stress and improved moods, and, in some cases, reduce allergies by reducing airborne dust and pollen compared to bare soil; and
Whereas, Turfgrass provides a number of ecological benefits by supporting habitats for insects and microorganisms, enabling biodiversity, storing carbon thereby offsetting greenhouse gases, and recharge groundwater by allowing rainwater to permeate under the turf to replenish aquifers; and
Whereas, Turfgrass offers a number of practical and aesthetic benefits by improving visual appeal and property value and providing for a durable lawn that can withstand regular foot traffic and self-repair regrowing and healing damage; and
Whereas, Turfgrass supports the following professions including field managers, landscape contractors, golf course superintendents, sod managers, groundskeepers, and researchers in the fields of plant breeding, pathology, entomology, weed science, environmental science, natural resource management, and soil science; and
Whereas, It is altogether fitting and proper to recognize the significant benefits of turfgrass and applaud MetLife Stadium's decision to implement it for the 2026 FIFA World Cup; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House recognizes the beneficial uses of turfgrass and applauds MetLife's decision to use it for the 2026 F�d�ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the President of MetLife Stadium and to the President of FIFA.
STATEMENT
This resolution recognizes the beneficial uses of turfgrass and applauds MetLife's decision to use it for the 2026 F�d�ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.
MetLife Stadium will host eight games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, includes the Grand Finale game. Metlife Stadium in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup games changed its artificial turf with turfgrass in 2025. Turfgrass includes narrow-leaved plants that can provide a uniform cover, tolerate low mowing, and traffic. Turfgrass has a wide variety of benefits including but not limited to: environmental benefits by purifying air, cooling temperatures, helping to control stormwater, helping to stabilize soil, and filtering pollution; health and lifestyle benefits as a safer surface, improving the mental well-being of people, and reducing allergies in some cases; ecological benefits by helping support habitats, storing carbon, and recharging groundwater; and practical and aesthetic benefits by being visual appealing, durable, and self-repairing. Turfgrass also supports the following professions including field managers, landscape contractors, golf course superintendents, sod managers, groundskeepers, and researchers in the fields of plant breeding, pathology, entomology, weed science, environmental science, natural resource management, and soil science.
