Directs BPU to establish two-year innovative drinking water supply and wastewater infrastructure grant program.
Impact
The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining and enhancing the state's critical infrastructure, particularly in light of aging systems that require modernization. By directing financial support towards innovative technologies, the legislation aims not only to improve water safety and purification but also to promote energy conservation and sustainability within water management practices. This could potentially lead to cost savings for local governments and taxpayers as efficient technologies reduce long-term operational expenses.
Summary
Assembly Bill A1297 proposes the establishment of a two-year grant program directed by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to support innovative drinking water supply and wastewater infrastructure projects in New Jersey. The initiative is aimed at enhancing the quality and efficiency of the state's publicly-owned drinking water and wastewater systems. Eligible grant applicants include individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions, with the program focusing on pilot or demonstration projects that implement new technologies aimed at improving water quality and system infrastructure.
Contention
While the bill seeks to address pressing environmental and infrastructural challenges, it may raise points of contention concerning the allocation of funds and the specifics of project implementation. Stakeholders may debate the criteria for grant awarding, especially regarding which innovations are deemed 'eligible'. Furthermore, there may be concerns about the reliance on pilot projects for broader applications and how effectively these projects will translate into long-term improvements across New Jersey's diverse water systems.
Directs DEP to take certain actions concerning identification and testing of microplastics in drinking water, and requires DEP and BPU to study and promote use of microplastics removal technologies.
Directs DEP to take certain actions concerning identification and testing of microplastics in drinking water, and requires DEP and BPU to study and promote use of microplastics removal technologies.
Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities; makes change to community solar program.
Establishes "Energy Infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships Program" and related financing program in NJ Infrastructure Bank; and authorizes certain energy contracts under "Public School Contracts Law" and "Local Public Contracts Law" up to 30 years.
Establishes "Energy Infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships Program"; amends law concerning NJ infrastructure Bank; and authorizes certain energy contracts under "Public School Contracts Law" and "Local Public Contracts Law" up to 25 years.
Establishes "Energy Infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships Program" and related financing program in NJ Infrastructure Bank; and authorizes certain energy contracts under "Public School Contracts Law" and "Local Public Contracts Law" up to 30 years.
Establishes "Energy Infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships Program"; amends law concerning NJ infrastructure Bank; and authorizes certain energy contracts under "Public School Contracts Law" and "Local Public Contracts Law" up to 25 years.