New Jersey Assembly Bill A3015

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

Caption

Provides that certain nonprofit organizations would not be assessed a civil administrative penalty under the "Water Supply Management Act" for exceeding permitted water allocations.

Impact

The bill is presented as a means of preventing undue financial burdens on nonprofits that may inadvertently exceed their water allocations, ensuring that essential services are not disrupted due to regulatory penalties. It can be anticipated that this will have implications on how the state enforces water allocation regulations and may encourage more nonprofit organizations to actively participate in programs requiring significant water use, knowing they operate under a less punitive framework. Additionally, the bill may foster more robust collaboration between the state and nonprofits as they work together on public service initiatives involving water management.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3015 seeks to amend the existing Water Supply Management Act by providing certain nonprofit organizations the ability to exceed their permitted water allocations without facing civil administrative penalties from the Department of Environmental Protection. This approach aims to support nonprofit entities that serve a public purpose and receive state funds while promoting their operational flexibility during times of groundwater or water supply stress. Under the proposed bill, these organizations will only be exempted from penalties if the exceedance was not willful and if corrective measures were promptly undertaken.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the potential environmental impacts of allowing increased water consumption without severe penalties. Some stakeholders may argue that this leniency could lead to overconsumption and neglect of sustainable practices within nonprofits, potentially exacerbating issues related to water scarcity. Adequate checks and balances will need to be ensured to maintain accountability among nonprofit organizations to mitigate the risk of resource depletion. Therefore, while the bill facilitates the operations of nonprofits, it also necessitates a careful balance between operational flexibility and environmental stewardship.