New Jersey Assembly Bill A3154

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/22
• Refer: 3/7/22

Caption

"Water Resources Protection Trust Fund Act"; establishes user fee on water consumption and diversion; utilizes fee revenue for water quality, supply, and infrastructure projects.

Impact

The bill seeks to address the deteriorating state of New Jersey's water resources, which are crucial for both public health and environmental sustainability. It acknowledges the pressing need for repairing aged water infrastructure, the threat posed by lead in drinking water, and the insufficient funding levels for necessary upgrades. By establishing a dedicated funding stream, the legislation anticipates enhancing water supply reliability and quality, ultimately fostering community well-being and supporting economic growth.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3154, known as the 'Water Resources Protection Trust Fund Act', aims to establish a sustainable funding source for state water quality and infrastructure projects through user fees associated with water consumption and diversion. Specifically, a fee of $0.40 per 1,000 gallons of water will be imposed on water delivered by public community water systems and diverted for consumptive use. The generated revenue will be allocated to the Water Resources Protection Trust Fund, administered by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which will oversee financing for various water-related initiatives.

Contention

Debate surrounding A3154 centers on the implications of introducing new user fees. Proponents argue that the fees are essential for securing a consistent revenue source for water infrastructure improvements and protecting vital water resources. However, opponents express concern that such fees may disproportionately affect low-income households, potentially discouraging water conservation efforts. Additionally, there are worries about the administrative execution of the fund, specifically how efficiently the DEP will manage and allocate resources to prioritized projects.

Final_note

If passed, the act mandates an annual report to the Legislature detailing the fund's financial activities, project statuses, and any unforeseen challenges. It is designed to instill a proactive approach towards water resource management in a state that ranks as the most densely populated in the U.S.